At 7:18 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service issued an updated Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 1 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday for Yates, Seneca, Schuyler, Tompkins, Tioga and Broome counties.
“Total accumulations of snow and sleet between 3 and 6 inches,” can be expected, according to the weather service. “Snow moves in early Friday afternoon, with a chance of rain and snow mixing for a few hours Friday evening before changing back to snow overnight. Localized higher amounts are possible in parts of southern Cayuga, Tompkins, eastern Broome and Susquehanna counties, depending on the line of mixing and any heavier bands of snow that could develop.”
“Travel may be very difficult. Hazardous conditions could affect the Friday evening commute,” the weather service says. “Slow down and use caution when traveling. In New York, the latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Highway Commission are reminding motorists to adjust their speeds based on driving conditions as winter weather affects Pennsylvania roadways.”
Winter Driving Guide: Tips from the Weather Service for safe and healthy travel
Winter weather can make for treacherous driving, leading to more than 6,000 weather-related vehicle deaths and more than 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling in snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that the roads are icy and adjust your driving accordingly. Watch out for ice build-up on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, choose routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and if you come across one, call 911 immediately. Here are more winter driving tips:
Share your travel plans:
When traveling out of town in dangerous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route and estimated time of arrival.
Prepare your vehicle:
Make sure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies, including a windshield scraper, jump leads, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie nonperishable food.
Stay calm when stuck:
If you get stuck, keep calm. Inform someone about your situation and location. Avoid trying to walk to safety. Attach a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal that you need help. Make your vehicle visible with a dome light and blinkers.
Beware of snow plows:
Watch out for snow plows and give them plenty of room. Only overtake the plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.
Check the condition of the road:
Before you hit the road, check current road conditions so you can make informed travel decisions.
Stay safe on winter roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the Weather Service and reduce the risk of accidents in challenging weather conditions.
Leave a Reply