SANDERS COUNTY – Blistering winds and buckets of snow hit Sanders County this week and bitter cold is soon to follow. These weather conditions, courtesy of Jack Frost, forced the Hot Springs schools to close early Monday.

According to Jen Christensen, a school secretary substitute, the early dismissal was due to strong drifting winds and the expectation of below-freezing temperatures. The number one concern was to ensure the children returned home safely.

The usual good samaritans have been working hard to ensure the roads of Sanders County are safe for drivers.

“The road crew has been completing their schedules to keep everything plowed out. We try to keep the roads open as much as we can for the residents,” Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Naegeli said.

The current plow schedule includes morning rounds as well as afternoon rounds that carve out bus routes, what Naegeli referred to as the main arteries or main streets and county roads as needed.

In addition to plowing, the road crews spread sand and salt to help with traction. Additional traction may soon be needed with the falling temperatures.

Johnny Holland of the Montana Department of Transportation said there is always the chance of dangerous conditions this time of year.

“It is supposed to get cold and the snow is starting to melt. If the roads are still wet when the temperature drops it will freeze everything, so it can change real fast,” Holland said.

Holland also pointed out that shaded areas will remain icy even after the rest of the road has cleared up.

There is a risk of dropping temperatures but there might also be good results.

“The falling temperatures could actually decrease the snow and increase traction,” Naegeli said. “The roads do freeze but it is not as slick because it is not as watered up. The snow actually gets fluffier and dryer which is a good thing.”

Whether the impending forecast will yield good results or bad, it is always smart to take every precaution. Both Naegeli and Holland gave recommendations to keep drivers safe on the winter roads.

Naegeli advised drivers to slow down and make sure their windshield and windows are clean before driving. Visibility is very important as is driving defensively. He also recommended every driver keep an emergency kit in their vehicles. The kit should include water, food and extra blankets in case of entrapment.

Holland also had safe driving advice. He said every driver needs to utilize their vehicle’s headlights. He also said it is important to maintain a good distance from the vehicle in front because stopping distances are greater with snow and ice present.

“People have to remember it is winter,” Holland said. “Leave earlier and drive slower.”