On Thursday at 1:09 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning valid from 4 p.m. until Friday 4 p.m. for Tompkins, Madison and Cortland counties.
The weather service states to expect, “Snow, heavy at times under localized bands. Totals will be highly elevation dependent as well. Accumulations of 1 to 4 inches in valley locations with amounts of 6 to 12 inches above 1,500 feet. Totals of 12 to 18 inches possible in the highest elevations.”
“Travel could be very difficult, especially with snowfall rates of 1-3 inches per hour in spots overnight. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute. Heavy snowfall could bring down trees and wires due to the weight of the snow,” explains the weather service. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission strongly encourage motorist to heed all travel restrictions and delay unnecessary travel.”
Staying safe on winter roads: Winter driving tips from the weather service
Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating 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, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter driving tips from the weather service:
Share your travel plans:
When traveling out of town in hazardous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.
Prepare your vehicle:
Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies such as 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 when stranded:
If you become stranded, remain composed. Inform someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Indicate that you need assistance by attaching a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror, and make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers
Be aware of snow plows:
Keep an eye out for snow plows and provide them with ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.
Check road conditions:
Before embarking on your journey, verify the current road conditions to make informed travel decisions.
These winter driving tips from the weather service are your key to a safer journey on snow-covered roads. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your well-being during challenging winter weather.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
