Batten down the hatches, ladies and gentlemen, because the nastiest storm to hit the logistics network this season has arrived! 90+ MPH wind gusts, blizzard-like conditions, and some of the rawest air to arrive from the Siberian Express is making its way down the jet stream.
The snowstorm was already affecting vast portions of the Plains and Rockies on Wednesday. As the storm strengthens into a major blizzard over the Midwest from Thursday into Friday, travel is likely to grind to a halt as life-threatening conditions occur from the storm’s high winds, snow, and sub-zero temperatures.
To be blunt, drivers should not risk their lives or the lives of those around them driving in the heart of this storm. No cargo is worth the potential loss of life that could occur.
If you do get caught by the storm and need to make the necessary travel to a safe haven, here are some tips from fellow drivers to get there safely.
Maintain a traveling distance of at least double the amount of space for the speed you are traveling. Use very light braking as tires can lose traction on snow drifts and ice-glazed roads.
Pay extra attention to your surroundings and trip route. Supposed safe locations can be closed at a moment’s notice, so use a commercial traffic app like Trucker Path or a GPS such as a Rand McNally TND to keep track of closures.
Driving in severe weather is highly stressful. Knowing your limits, including mental fatigue, is important in staying safe. Do not drive if your gut is telling you to stop. No load is worth your life!
Keep the fuel tank topped off! Refill with winter-grade Diesel #1 fuel blend and add the recommended amount of anti-gel or fuel conditioner. As we saw in the blizzard last week, it could take a week to get freed from a snowstorm, and having a hundred gallons of fuel to run the bunk heater is essential to have this time of year.
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