More snow expected to hit Fort Scott area today

Seven-year-old Mackenna Fountain prepares to sled down a hill at the park at Third and Hill streets Saturday. The park is a popular sledding spot after a good snowfall.(Ruth Campbell/Tribune)

Just in case residents didn't get enough snow last week, Mother Nature is expected to oblige with more today and Wednesday.

Bourbon County Emergency Manager Keith Jeffers said Monday Bourbon County residents should expect up to six more inches of snow between Tuesday and Wednesday. Jeffers said the snow is expected to begin falling about 3 a.m. today and conclude around 3 p.m. Wednesday. He described the precipitation as being a "fairly slow and easy snow."

Jeffers said the area is expected to receive four inches of the white stuff today with another two inches on Wednesday. The heaviest snowfall is predicted for between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday, with three-to-three-and-a-half inches anticipated during the 12-hour period.

As of Monday afternoon, no freezing rain was expected, Jeffers said. The temperature is expected to be about 12 degrees when the snow starts, dropping to as low as minus 8 degrees Wednesday morning, he said. Because of the cold, any snow that has melted from last week's storm could become ice, making driving conditions dangerous.

Jeffers said local motorists should pay attention to road conditions and weather forecasts, and above all, be careful. He added that motorists should also turn on their headlights when driving in the snow, because it's the law.

"It is the law that they must have their headlights on in any type of adverse weather," he said.

Jeffers said homeowners should make sure that water is still running when the temperature drops below zero, and prevent frozen and broken pipes. The Fort Scott Water Department recommends the following to prevent frozen pipes:

* Eliminate drafts and repair any broken windows in basements and crawl spaces.

* Insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing.

* Disconnect garden hoses from outside hydrants.

* Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow air to circulate and prevent pipes from freezing.

* Letting a thin stream of water run from a faucet while experiencing sub-zero weather can keep pipes from freezing.

* Know where the master water valve is located in your home. This will allow you to shut the water off should a line freeze and break.

According to the Fort Scott Water Department, the typical symptom of a frozen water line is that one or more of the water fixtures in a building, or residence will not provide water.

If some faucets are dry and others still work, the customer should contact the plumber of their choice to assist in thawing of the line. If all faucets in a residence or building are dry, the customer should contact the Water Department for further checking. Residents can call the Water Office at (620) 223-8133 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or the Water Plant after hours at (620) 223-5160.