KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Crews Prep for Winter Weather

The trucks are parked for now, just sitting and waiting to hit the roads in preparation for the coming storm. However, they haven't been sitting all day. The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department  has been fitting them with blades and chemicals in anticipation of Saturday night.

"We have all of our equipment in place to go out and be on the roads as it comes in. We'll have our graters and our spreaders in place," explained spokesperson David Nilles.
   
Of course, the highway department isn't the only one on call when the storm comes. The Department of Emergency Management comes together with transportation and State Police to coordinate emergency response. It's something they've had a lot of practice doing in Arkansas.

"We have so many disasters that we're used to working together," said David Maxwell of the DEM.

However, what Arkansans aren't seasoned in is driving in those slippery conditions, so DEM reminds everyone to take care by slowing down and not pressing the gas or brake too quickly.
 
"People aren't used to driving on snow and ice, and it's one of those things that you've got to be careful," said Maxwell.