The Reno Public Works Department it's concerned about ice Wednesday night and Thursday morning. That is in addition to the snow that's expected. Drivers and the Public Works Department are preparing for what may come, be it ice, snow, or maybe nothing at all.
Local resident Jeff Stone is aware of what the weather may bring over the next 24 hours. “I heard maybe an inch or two of snow, which to some people is a lot to others not so much. Just make sure you drive slow, have a full tank of gas, and make sure your wipers are in good shape,” said Stone
A small amount of snow can actually be a big problem for some people. “In some ways when it first snows it's the worst. You slide around more. When you get more snow it compacts and you get more traction. Take it easy when it first starts and make sure to get home safely,” said Stone.
He is not the only one concerned how people will drive in slick conditions. “I’m more worried about the other people that don't realize that once you start sliding you can't slam your breaks. That's when the accidents happen. So take it slow always,” said driver Shannon Good.
Reno’s Public Works Department has spent the last two days putting brine on the streets. Trucks have been spreading the chemical mix that will hopefully cut down on ice and snow sticking to the roads. “The brine is just there to keep the ice from forming. It doesn't mean that snow is going to melt instantly. And it doesn’t mean the ice won't eventually form. So people can't be too overly optimistic and think it’s going to be completely dry pavements,” said Reno Public Works Maintenance Operations Manager Travis Truhill.
Seven trucks have made their way around emergency routes and frequented roads spreading the mixture. The Public Works Departments says 1,200 lane miles of roadway will be covered in brine. But that doesn't mean it's safe to drive like you normally do. “Always drive a little bit slower and leave extra space. You never know how long it will take you to stop,” said Stone.
Not all local streets have been sprayed. So you especially want to be careful when you're driving around neighborhoods. Ice can be very hard to see in the dark.
