How plow drivers prepare for snow

The 30s by next week.

While we're not expecting snow in our area tonight, it's important snow plows stay prepared to clear the roads for whenever weather strikes.

Kimt news 3's samantha soto checked in with mndot, to see how operators get ready to take on the roads.

While there may not be much on the roads right now,it wont be long before we see more snow?

$ i spoke to a snow plow operator about how he keeps the roads clear during winter weather.

Mndot offers live snow plow cam footage to allow drivers to check road conditions ?

"*?

"* though we'r experiencing any snow in our area today, plows are staying ready.

Prior to each shift ?

"* plowers are given a route assignment.

Anywhere from 5 to 20 miles long depending on where its located.

They are usually given an 8 hour notice before a snow event.

It's important for drivers to get plenty of rest beforehand.

Tyler bakken with mndot, says they typically spend 8?

"*12 hours clearing roads, but can work up to 16 hours when road conditions are bad.

"i know we're not always the fasting moving, just trying to do things right."

He says one of the biggest challenges he faces day?

"*to?

"* day, is visibility and maintaining distance from other vehicles.

"usually i just continue to slow down until they either clear me, or back off ?

"*?

"* gets to be a bad situation ?

"*i blow air horn to try and warn them."

Bakken tells me their priority as snow plow operators is to ensure everyone makes it home safely.

In rochester, samantha soto kimt news 3.

Mn dot offers live snow plow cams to help drivers check road conditions during winter weather, we have a link to that site