As the blustery winds and powdery snow turn into freezing rain over the weekend, Bonner County Road and Bridge Director Jason Topp offered some advice to anyone planning to travel in the coming week.

“I am sure everyone is looking forward to the warmer weather headed our way next week,” he said. “These low temperatures have not been fun for most folks with frozen water lines, power outages, [et cetera].”

However, Topp said these warmer temperatures are expected to bring even more challenges due to the county’s roads being frozen solid. With those conditions, Topp said when the rain begins to fall, ice starts to build on the roads, causing even more hazards.

“The crews will sand the roads, and another layer of ice will build on top of that, hiding the fact that we have sanded,” the director said. “When this occurs, please be patient and try to limit driving if possible until we can address the conditions. If you need to be out and about, take your time and plan ahead as these roads will be extremely slick.”

Topp said Road and Bridge crews are already out in full force preparing for the new weather hazards and they will be very busy trying to keep up once it hits.

The director reminded citizens that even snow plow drivers and sanders are not immune to ending up in a ditch, and they will be driving slower than usual to mitigate damage to their vehicles on the slick surfaces.

Driveways and private roads are expected to look even worse and could create even further problems in the event of an emergency.

“Emergency services will have a very difficult time being able to respond on private roads and driveways,” he said. “If sanding is possible, please do so. If not, be aware if you cannot drive on your road or driveway, they most likely cannot either. Do your best with the resources you have available to you.”

Topp said he is hopeful that these conditions will be short lived and that everyone in Bonner County remains safe this upcoming week.

    With blustery winds, powdery snow, and freezing rain forecast for the weekend, Bonner County Road and Bridge Director Jason Topp encouraged residents to stay home if they can and to be patient if they do have to travel.