The National Weather Service issued a snowstorm warning at 9:12 p.m. Wednesday in effect until 10 p.m. for Cayuga, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben and Yates counties.
“At 9:11 p.m., it was moving east at 30 mph on a line extending from near Canandaigua to 6 miles northeast of Wayland to 6 miles southeast of Portageville to 6 miles west of Cuba to 8 miles southwest of Allegany State Park,” the weather service said. “Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.”
Places affected by the warning include Auburn, Hornell, Seneca Falls, Bath, Waterloo, Penn Yan, Romulus, Fayette, Starkey and Benton.
According to the weather service, “Wet roadways will freeze quickly. Black ice will make roads, bridges and overpasses slippery and dangerous. Slow down and be prepared for a sudden loss of traction. Reduce your speed and turn on your headlights! During snowstorms, visibility can suddenly drop to near zero in white light conditions. Consider avoiding or delaying the road until the snowstorm clears, you must be careful when changing positions, you must be be careful. slippery roads can lead to accidents.”
Hazards include flash freezing on roads. Intense flurries of heavy snow. Gusty winds leading to blowing snow and visibility rapidly dropping to less than a quarter of a mile. Wind gusts up to 35 mph.
Blizzard guide: Preparation and caution on winter roads
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 quickly issued for specific areas, similar to tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings. They offer key, localized information aimed at saving lives. If a snowstorm warning is issued in your area, it is best to delay or avoid driving until the storm has moved.
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: Make sure there is enough distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. This measure is necessary to account for reduced visibility and the potential unpredictability of road conditions during a thunderstorm.
Avoid sudden braking: In slippery and icy conditions, sudden braking can lead to loss of vehicle control. It is safer to slow down gradually to minimize the risk of skidding or causing a chain reaction.
Safety tips for winter weather: For comprehensive guidance on staying safe before, during and after winter weather, visit the Weather Service’s Winter Weather Safety page. This resource offers valuable information and precautions to help you effectively deal with the challenges of winter weather.
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: Always have a well-prepared emergency kit in your vehicle containing important supplies such as blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight and a first aid kit. In addition, it includes jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a mobile phone charger for the car, a map and cat litter or sand for better tire traction. These items can be invaluable if you encounter an unexpected breakdown or emergency while traveling.
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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