Winter Preparations Get Serious in Bowling Green

Winter Preparations Get Serious in Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – As the days grow shorter and chilly winds sweep into town, many Bowling Green residents are settling in for the season. But you know who’s not taking a break? The folks at the Bowling Green Public Works Department! As winter approaches, the team has been hard at work gearing up for the icy and snowy conditions that are all too familiar this time of year.

Why Preparing Early Matters

Meteorologist Darius Mack took a closer look behind the scenes to see just what steps are being taken to tackle winter weather challenges head-on. Andy Souza, the director of public works for Bowling Green, shared some insider knowledge: “As the weather turns bad, we don’t just bring out the plows and hope that everything works. The results that you see as we’re plowing is definitely because of preparation.”

Can you believe they start planning as early as the hot summer months? That’s right! Town workers don’t just wait for the first snowflake to fall. Souza mentioned that they buy their salt during the summer when prices are lower. “That’s when we purchased the salt that you see behind me because it’s cheaper and we can get it in,” he explained. And preparations ramp up even more as fall approaches!

A Dress Rehearsal for the Snow

By October, the team conducts a full “dress rehearsal” of their snow removal strategies. Souza noted, “Crews have test driven routes just this past October and are positioned for the season’s potential snow and ice.” Sounds like they’re ready for a winter wonderland!

In order to tackle any incoming winter storms, Public Works has stocked up on approximately 2,000 tons of salt. That’s a serious amount! Just last January, Bowling Green experienced two snowy days that deluged the city with snow, prompting the team to use up 500 tons of that salt. But don’t worry – they can order more if a larger storm hits.

When Does Plowing Start?

So, when do they hit the roads with their plows? According to Souza, plowing operations commence when there’s at least two inches of snowfall or when an extreme amount of snow is expected. The city divides its snow removal efforts into ten distinct zones, ensuring that every inch of Bowling Green is carefully attended to as needed.

A Tip for Residents

Here’s a friendly reminder for all residents: if you want to help the Public Works crew work more swiftly, try to keep your vehicles off the streets whenever possible. Souza suggests parking in driveways instead of leaving cars stranded on the side of the road. This little gesture makes it easier for the snowplows to get in and do their job!

Learn More About Snow Routes

Curious about how snow routes are organized in Bowling Green? For detailed information, you can check out the city’s Public Works website for a map of snow routes and updates on the winter weather preparations.

Winter might bring its own set of challenges, but thanks to the diligent preparation and quick response from the Public Works team, residents can feel a bit more secure during those frigid months. Now, let’s just hope for some fun winter activities too—like sledding and building snowmen!