Snow covers Treasure Valley roads

 

BOISE -- It's pretty hazardous outside today as motorists make their way through the snowy roads.

At first, Boise under a blanket of snow was a calming sight.  But hours later when cars entered the scene, the beauty turned into dozens of accidents all over the valley.

"It was expected something like this would happen," Reed Hollinshead of the Idaho Transportation Department said.

State crews know from experience slick conditions during the morning spells trouble.

Police say a driver going too fast on Eagle Road lost control, crossed over into oncoming traffic and hit a woman's car head-on, forcing her to slide-off and slam into a wide pole.

She's OK but that's not the same for her car.

"Expecting a very busy day," said tow truck driver Jon Nance.

The accident on Eagle Road is Jon Nance's first tow job for the day and he knows he'll get plenty more business from this snow.

"It’s wet and it's heavier instead of blowing around it gets compacted down. And with the heat from the tires it just gets icier and the colder weather just makes it a sheet of ice," said Nance.

The Idaho Transportation Department has had plows out since 3 a.m.

The crews plan to be out all day, especially to keep roads clear for those heading to the Humanitarian Bowl at Bronco Stadium.

"Right around this time of year with the Humanitarian Bowl seems to bring out the snow," Hollinshead said.

"We're going to have numerous slide offs, minor fender benders, a lot of winch outs, so if everyone drives slow hopefully they won't have to see me today," said Nance.

Police are reminding drivers: in these wintry conditions, drive slow.

They have responded to dozens of accidents today.

Of those one person was sent to the hospital.