Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

The dreams of those wishing for a white Christmas, just like the lyrics above, came true on Christmas Day when Old Man Winter did his magic and blanketed the area with the first dumping of snow this winter. Depending on where you travel, reports are anywhere from 3-7 inches of the fluffy stuff. The snow storm that came in on Christmas Eve brought with it Blizzard Warnings and Winter Weather Warnings causing treacherous traveling for Christmas goers. The blizzard condition that lasted several hours into the holiday made for extreme drifting snow conditions in the rural areas as well.
It’s probably safe to say Missouri Department of Transportation road crews are not among those who dream of a white Christmas. Nonetheless, with the snow falling on Christmas Day, MoDOT workers were out doing what they do best: keeping the roads clear.
“Bad weather doesn’t take a holiday and neither do our maintenance folks,” MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. “We’re responsible for making sure people get where they want to go safely, whether it’s a holiday or not.” Crews were out until the roads were clear.
MoDOT geared up for this latest storm by sending crews and equipment from its St. Louis, southeast and south central districts to battle the storm here in western Missouri, which was expected to get the most severe weather.
MoDOT spends about $41 million a year on snow and ice removal, one of the department’s biggest, most visible jobs. Last year, approximately 3,000 dedicated employees spent more than 465,000 hours using 1,650 snow-removal vehicles to clear state roadways.
Rahn said each winter storm has its own unique challenges, so he’s pleased the public has rated the agency’s efforts to handle winter weather favorably.
“In a recent survey, 77 percent of Missourians said MoDOT met their expectations for snow and ice removal,” Rahn said. “We’re proud of that, but we’ll keep working to get that number even higher.”
In addition to snow plowing, another key service MoDOT provides during winter storms is its Traveler Information Map. Located at www.modot.org, the map shows the latest conditions for major roads throughout the state. In the event of another winter storm, travelers can also call MoDOT’s toll-free number, 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636), to get road condition information. The toll-free phone line is answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Pictured: Although the snow fell as a very dry, non-snowman-making type, it was perfect for making snow angels as these two kids show. A man on a tractor attempts ball park road with no avail due to the drifted snow. Also pictured, area town shots.