Extra Wet Winter Weather: Hazards For Drivers, Flooding
Many eastern Idahoans may have noticed Sunday’s snow is particularly slushy.
“This time of year the moisture we receive is in a high content of water,” said Idaho State Police Sgt. Marvin Crane. “Typically when we receive this, it turns into slush very easily.”
Crane said that slush and standing water can have a violent effect on vehicles traveling at high rates of speed.
“If you’re in a newer vehicle that has anti-lock brakes, go ahead and apply the pressure on the brakes,” said Crane. “If you feel them start to surge, that’s normal and natural for those vehicles.”
Prevention is key, said Crane. Posted speed limits don’t necessarily apply in harsh winter weather conditions like those on Sunday. Slow and cautious driving means motorists will see standing water before it gets them in trouble.
In Dubois and throughout Fremont County on Sunday, the extra moisture was hampering an effort to hold back flood waters. Flooding has affected the area for several days.
New photos from Fremont County’s Emergency Management Team showed pools of water overtaking roadways and spilling into fields.
Keith Richey, the emergency coordinator for the county, said snow with a high water content is making residents nervous. Some homeowners in Ashton have requested more sandbags, and County Roads 3000 and 3200 West are still closed on Sunday near 100 North due to flooding and road damage.
Water surging across road ways is a reminder, said Crane, ISP won’t tolerate drivers who don’t mind conditions.
“When we have people who have disregard for the safety of others by traveling in a manner which is too fast for these conditions, yes we will be issuing citations,” he said.
