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The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

Low supply causes worry with impending winter storms

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Often times people wonder why salt is dumped on the roads in the winter. Just like we use salt when boiling water or making homemade ice cream, salt is used to lower the melting point of the snow, thus making it melt faster. With a low supply of salt, the roads cannot be cleared, the ice cannot be melted, and traffic commute becomes extremely dangerous. Photo courtesy of Taylor Evans.

“I think the chances of getting calamity days or snow days are even more likely now that there is a shortage on salt,” said Megan Jiang, 11.

Due to the high demand of salt during these last few frigid weeks, many salt supplies have been running low.  Some stores say they can’t find 50-pound bags of salt to order and expect to sell out soon.

In response to this shortage, sand has been mixed with the salt to treat the icy streets.  One can see how this can be problematic with an estimated four to eight inches of snow headed our way.

“I think the most dangerous part about the snow is the fact that it compacts and turns into ice.  Now that I drive, I really understand the dangers of unsalted roads and hope that this salt shortage can be resolved quickly,” said Abby Belcher, 11.

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February has been predicted to be worse weather wise than January, meaning having an insufficient amount of salt could be catastrophic. Driving even on salted roads is dangerous and accidents still occur, but imagine driving without any salt helping your wheels keep some traction.

“I just really hope we get more salt because I’m not going to take the chance of getting in an accident when the roads aren’t clear.  But if the salt doesn’t come in on time, then I guess that’s just more Blizzard Bags to stay caught up on,” said Belcher.

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About the Contributor
Taylor Evans, Staff Writer
My name is Taylor Evans and I am a senior this year. Four years later, I once again find myself on the amazing staff of The Leaf as an associate editor and cover story editor. I am so excited to return for my fourth and final year on The Leaf, and I can’t wait for what this year will bring. In my spare time my main hobby is to write, specifically fiction. Over the last six years, I’ve also been working on a young-adult fiction novel, "The Unknown," that has finally been published.  When I’m not writing, I’m reading, and when I’m not reading I’m playing volleyball.  And when all that isn’t enough, I turn to baking, which is a stress reliever- plus, who doesn’t like munching on cookies every once in a while?
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Low supply causes worry with impending winter storms