Updated Winter Weather Advisory: Ice and Travel Safety Alert

An updated winter weather advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service. Effective from 5:39 a.m. on Saturday until 11 a.m., the advisory affects residents of Oneida, Otsego, Delaware, and Sullivan counties. Here’s what you need to know to keep safe during these challenging weather conditions.

Expected Weather Conditions

The National Weather Service predicts freezing rain, potentially leading to additional ice accumulation, creating a thin layer of ice known as a glaze. This glaze can cause significant travel disruptions.

Road Safety Precautions

Road surfaces, particularly bridges and overpasses, are expected to become slippery and hazardous due to the ice. Motorists should exercise caution, slow down, and maintain increased distance between vehicles. “Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving,” advises the weather service.

For pedestrians, the first steps on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways should be taken with extreme care, as these areas may be icy and slippery, increasing the risk of falling and injury.

Winter Travel Tips from the Weather Service

Share Your Travel Plans

Inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival when traveling in hazardous winter weather conditions out of town.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Keep your gas tank at least half full and make sure your vehicle is equipped with essential winter supplies. These include a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie, non-perishable food.

Stay Calm if Stranded

Maintain your composure if your vehicle becomes stranded. Notify someone about your situation and location immediately. Avoid walking to safety. Attach a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal your need for assistance. Use your vehicle’s dome light and flashers to enhance visibility.

Be Mindful of Snow Plows

Be aware of approaching snow plows and provide them with ample space to clear the road. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check Road Conditions Before Traveling

Before you start your journey, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

Conclusion

Use these valuable winter driving tips from the weather service to stay safe on icy roads and highways. By taking proactive measures and following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, leveraging machine learning to deliver the latest data from the National Weather Service.

Stay informed and stay safe this winter. Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and consider subscribing to receive similar updates.