The National Weather Service issued a snow storm advisory at 8:14 p.m. Wednesday until midnight Thursday for Yates, Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Madison, Oneida, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Tioga, Broome, Delaware and Sullivan.
“Light snow will initially appear early tonight, however a strong arctic cold front will pose the threat of dangerous snowstorms later this evening. The snowstorms will produce brief but heavy snowfall and strong winds with near whiteout conditions. This may result in hazardous traffic conditions as roads will quickly become snowy and slippery. In general timing, hazardous storms will be possible from the Syracuse Steuben to Midinger Lake Great and F1 area. push southeast to include the rest of the Twin Tiers to the Cortland and Utica areas between 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. and then from the Interstate 88 corridor and the Catskills to the Wyoming Valley and Poconos between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Watch conditions closely if you’re traveling overnight as we move into the New Year, including extreme snowstorm plans and warnings until the storm ends and warnings if even affected the storm is reported by the weather service.
Snowstorms: Risks, Differences, and Safety Risks
What are snow flurries?
Snowstorms are short but intense winter weather events often associated with strong cold fronts. They can cause sudden whiteouts and icy roads in a matter of minutes, even if there’s no big winter storm going on. While they typically last less than an hour and may only result in minor snow accumulations, they pose a significant risk to drivers due to reduced visibility, gusty winds and rapidly dropping temperatures. These conditions have historically led to fatal traffic accidents.
What is the difference between a blizzard and a blizzard?
The difference between a blizzard and a blizzard is the duration of the event. Snowstorms are usually very short-lived (on the order of 30-60 minutes) and extremely intense. A snowstorm can last for hours or even days.
Snow warning
Blizzard warnings are short-term and focus on distinct areas (such as tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings). These alerts provide critical, highly localized, life-saving information. If a snowstorm warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay motoring until the storm has passed through your area.
Action during a snow warning
In response to a snow warning, individuals should follow guidance provided by the weather service, which includes the following key actions:
Avoid or delay travel: If a snowstorm warning is issued near you, it is a good idea to delay or refrain from motoring until the storm has passed through your area. Freeways and roads are especially dangerous during snowstorms.
Reduce speed and increase visibility: If you are already on the road during a blizzard, prioritize safety by reducing your speed. Turn on your headlights and hazard lights to improve visibility for yourself and other drivers.
Keep a safe distance: Leave enough distance between you and the car in front of you.
Avoid sudden braking: It’s also best not to hit the brakes. On slippery/icy roads, this could contribute to loss of vehicle control and also increase the risk of a chain crash.
Safety tips for winter weather: For tips on how to stay safe before, during and after winter weather, visit the Weather Service’s Winter Weather Safety page.
Prepare your vehicle: Before your trip, prepare your vehicle for winter conditions by checking the tires, brakes and lights and verifying that all fluids are at the correct level. A properly maintained vehicle is better prepared to overcome the obstacles of winter driving.
Emergency kit essentials: Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive emergency kit containing essentials such as blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight and a first aid kit. Don’t forget to add jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger, a map, and cat litter or sand to improve tire traction. These precautions can prove invaluable in the event of an unexpected breakdown or emergency during your trip.
In conclusion, when faced with a snow warning, prioritizing personal safety and following the weather service’s recommendations can significantly mitigate the risks. With understanding, preparation, and vigilance, individuals can navigate these winter hazards with greater confidence and safety.
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