ARKANSAS, USA — Officials all across 5COUNTRY are gearing up to keep all of us safe for the snowstorm projected to move in on the morning of Friday, Jan. 5.
Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has new trucks and technology to tackle the snowy roads this weekend.
"We are prepared in a very good way this winter," Dave Parker with ARDOT said.
ARDOT said they have made huge investments in the new gear, specifically for events like this snowstorm approaching.
"We have 40 new trucks that we're equipping with the plows, we have 65,000 cubic yards of salt, which is the most we've ever spent on salt in a long time," Parker said.
Parker's biggest concern in snowy weather conditions is panicked drivers.
"It's our first game so to speak for us, the department, as well as the drivers. So take it easy, take it slow," Parker said.
Parker said with this being the first storm of the year, ARDOT must use its resources wisely as they can expect more storms to come in the future.
While ARDOT covers interstates and highways, Benton and Washington County officials will be tackling the roads with similar methods.
"Once we get some snow on the ground, we'll be putting down our sand and our salt, and making sure that we can get drivers safely to work," Melody Kwok with Benton County said.
Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins said they will be proactive if road conditions have the potential to become slick.
"After the conditions hit, when we decide that there's a break in the weather, and we can get out and help treat the roads, we want to touch every road in Washington County within 72 hours," Deakins said.
And the River Valley is making similar preparations.
"We have a team that's actually going to be on call all night long," Fort Smith Public Relations Manager Josh Buchfink said. "Ready to prepare the streets get it all get everything ready to go. So that in case we do have wintry weather overnight and into the morning hours."
Officials ask that drivers keep blankets, snacks, water, chargers, and flashlights in their cars in case they are caught on the roads in bad conditions. It's also smart to keep extra gas in case you are stuck far from a gas station.
Watch 5NEWS on YouTube.
Download the 5NEWS app on your smartphone:
Stream 5NEWS 24/7 on the 5+ app: How to watch the 5+ app on your streaming device
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to.