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Winter Storm Preparations Continue Throughout Kansas

Reporter: Lily Wu

Westar Crews Work To Prevent Power Outages Ahead Of Winter Weather
Winter Storm Preparations Continue Throughout Kansas

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Crews with the Kansas Department of Transportation coated highways across the Wichita metro area with a salt brine mix today. The mix helps prevent ice or snow from bonding to the road.

"The bridges and overpasses freeze first and seem to be affected much more by the storm but we'll be treating everything on the main highways," said Tom Hein, KDOT spokesperson.

Other crews with Westar Energy were working on routine maintenance as part of the Reliabilitree program. They removed tree limbs and pruned trees that were spreading into power lines.

"We would rather be in a neighborhood working, scheduled for preventative things rather than have a storm come through and knock out power," said Shane Batchelder, Westar spokesperson.

Hein wanted to remind drivers to be careful driving on Wednesday.

"We can't guarantee a perfect situation when commute happens in the morning but we'll do the best we can to get it ready," he said.