'Flash Freeze Possible': MassDOT Cautions Drivers

Beware of the "flash freeze" on Saturday, as periodic heavy rainfall and the anticipated temperature drop could cause flooding and icing on the roads.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is cautioning drivers about traveling on Saturday due to the forecast of periodic heavy rainfall and temperatures anticipated to drop to below freezing throughout the day, MassDOT announced. MassDOT roadside message boards include the text: “flash freeze possible.”

For the last several days, MassDOT highway districts have been preparing for heavy rain and cold temperatures, anticipating flooding and icing on road surfaces. Crews have been cleaning drainage areas of debris and further pushing back snow piles from the shoulders of roads.

“The public should plan for very challenging driving conditions today,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver in a statement. “This forecast will mean a variety of dangerous situations may be encountered, including, low visibility on the road ahead, pooling of water on low lying paved surfaces and icy conditions when temperatures drop. Our advice is to, if possible, travel when conditions improve or take mass transit to reach destinations.”

MassDOT announced that crews have been treating road surfaces in those areas where rain has stopped and will continue to do so until the threat of icing has passed. Still, drivers should be careful because the rain showers may wash away the road salt, causing it to change to ice quickly.

If drivers must go out on the roadways, they are advised to always wear seatbelts, minimize distractions, turn off or put away cell-phones and devote full attention to what is ahead on the road.

For updates on road and traffic conditions in Massachusetts, drivers can:

• Dial 511 before heading out onto the roadways and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
• Visit www.mass511.com, a website which provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information, access to traffic cameras, and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
• Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions
• Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.

Other important winter driving tips include:

· Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights, even the hood and roof, before driving, (start with the tailpipe).

· Leave plenty of room for stopping.

· Remember that the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.

· Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.

· Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approach road.

· Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line.

· Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right.

· Seat belts should be worn at all times – it’s the law.

· Most importantly please remember to slow down.

Review more information on safe winter driving.

Photo and info via MassDot