Overland Park, KS - Forget about those early winter prognostications of little or no snow, Mother Nature has other plans.

This is the fifth snow storm since the ‘snow storm of the decade' that began on Thursday. If you were to take all the snow plowed by city crews from Thursday through Monday, it would amount to 198 feet high on a football field, or equivalent to a 20-story building.

The latest storm is expected to hit Overland Park beginning tonight. One to two inches of snow is forecast through Wednesday.

A contingent of more than 50 snow plow drivers, plus support staff members, has been sent home to report back at 7:30 tonight to begin clearing and treating more than 1,700 lane miles of roadway in Overland Park. A new shift will report at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

"Plowing snow and treating streets is one of the highest priorities for Overland Park," said Rich Profaizer, manager of Public Works maintenance operations. "We are fully operational and have plenty of material and staff to handle this coming storm."

Overland Park estimates it has spent over $100,000 in overtime Thursday through Monday for snow plow operations. The budget year ends Dec. 31.

"Overland Park has a sufficient budget to handle additional overtime and purchase of more material, if necessary," Profaizer added. "As with any snow storm, our crews will clear and treat thoroughfares, collectors and residential streets in that order. We ask that residents move vehicles off city streets to help expedite our operation and have patience."

Remain up to date on snow operations by either following opkansas.org, or sign up to follow opcares on Twitter.com.

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Contact: Rich Profaizer, 913/327-6606
Sean Reilly, communications manager, 913/895-6109; 913/484-4245