The Kansas City received the heavy snow that had been predicted for the area today. For several hours we had blizzard conditions, as the snow was coming down at the rate of a couple of inches per hour and visibility was limited. More snow is predicted for this evening.
All over the metro area, snow plows have been clearing the highways and streets. It's a big job, especially with the amount of snow that was dumped on the area in such a short time. Depths vary from 8 to 12 inches, depending on where it is measured. Here in Belton, it measured over ten inches in several locations. Most of the main roads and emergency snow routes in Belton have been cleared.
A "traffic snow emergency" has been declared for Belton, though. This means that no vehicles are to be parked on emergency snow routes and that any vehicle traveling out should have snow tires, chains, or radials (with the exception of vehicles with dual drive wheels). If a vehicle is parked on an emergency snow route or a vehicle not properly equipped becomes stuck or disabled, the Police Department has the right to have it towed, with the expense going to the owner of the vehicle.
When going out, please be sure to be prepared. These items are a good idea to have handy: a scraper, a shovel, flag/marker to make the vehicle visible to others, sand or kitty litter, jumper cables, bottled water, trail mix or other emergency food items, extra clothing such as hats, gloves, and scarfs. Some people were stuck on the highways for several hours today. Tomorrow may not be much better, depending on what happens with the weather tonight.
Please remember to protect pets in times of cold and bad weather. This type of weather is not good for anyone or anything to be out in for extended periods of time. Also, please remember to check on elderly neighbors. They could use help with clearing sidewalks and driveways, as the weight of this much snow could be dangerous for them to deal with.
Phillipians 2: 3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others," (The New American Bible).
One last note. Please put the cell phone down when driving. In bad weather, this is even more important. Please be careful going out and arrive safely.
Comments