BOISE, Idaho — Crews are preparing for a potentially messy Friday morning commute as wet weather makes its way toward the Treasure Valley.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for the mountain areas, heading into the weekend.
There is a 90% to 100% chance of rain and snow in the valley, with snow expected in the morning and changing to rain or a rain/snow mix throughout the day. A significant amount of snow is expected in the mountains.
Crews took to the roads to do pre-treatment on Thursday as they prepare for the worst.
“We’ve got crews that are at the ready both here in the Treasure Valley and at the mountains, where we are expecting quite a bit more snow,” said Idaho Transportation Department spokesperson Jake Melder. “It’s always uncertain whether we are going to have a dry year or a wet year but we are preparing for the possibility to have a wetter than average year,” he said.
The spokesperson for Ada County Highway District says they are well prepared as well. Workers have been getting familiar with any possible road changes and winter routes since the summer.
“Our operators are very experienced, they have been doing this some of them for years, thirty, forty, plus years, they have the same routes so they are familiar with those areas which are important especially the treasure valley continues to grow,” ACHD spokesperson Natalie Shaver said.
Unfortunately, snowy conditions usually come with an increased number of road collisions. Melder said ITD saw a high number of crashes across the state during some of the early winter storms this year. He stressed the importance of commuters changing their driving habits and behaviors during the winter season.
“Slow down, that’s the best thing that you can do,” he said. “Give yourself more space between you and the car in front of you, and if you don't have to be driving somewhere during the storm, don't.”
With all of the online learning, students and parents may be curious If schools will still have snow days.
West Ada School District will still have snow days, as teachers teach from their classrooms during remote learning. The Boise School District will continue to use snow days when necessary, but they are working on a new winter weather policy that would take learning virtual on snow days.
Basin School District in Idaho City will use at least two snow days and then will switch over to virtual learning for days with concerning weather conditions.
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