At 9:46 a.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued an updated winter weather advisory that is in effect for Northern Erie, Southern Erie, and Crawford County until Thursday between 1 a.m. and 10 a.m.
“Freezing rain is predicted. The weather service states that the total ice accumulations are between one and two tenths of an inch. Early Thursday morning, freezing rain will give way to light rain. However, because surface temperatures are still in the mid-30s, slick areas might persist until mid-morning. By early Thursday afternoon, the temperature will rise into the 40s.
“Travel conditions could be challenging. The meteorological service warns that the dangerous circumstances may affect the Thursday morning commute. “When traveling, slow down and exercise caution. Be ready for any power disruptions. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation strongly advise drivers to observe all traffic laws and postpone needless travel. Be ready for roads that are slick. When driving, reduce your speed and exercise caution. Watch your initial few steps on driveways, sidewalks, and stairs if you’re going outside. You run a higher risk of falling and getting hurt since these surfaces could be icy and slick.
Staying safe on winter roads: Winter driving tips from the weather service
Driving in the winter can be dangerous, resulting in more than 480,000 injuries and 6,000 vehicle fatalities annually. Prioritize safety by slowing down when driving in snow or freezing rain. When temperatures are close to freezing, it’s best to assume that there is ice on the roads and modify your driving appropriately. Watch out for ice buildup on tree branches or power wires as this can cause snapping and falling hazards. Steer clear of driving in such conditions if at all feasible. Choose paths with fewer trees and electricity lines if you must go outside. Never touch a downed electrical line, and if you see one, call 911 right once. Here are some more driving guidelines for winter conditions:
Tell us about your travel itinerary:
Tell your family or friends where you’re going, the route you’re taking, and when you expect to arrive when you’re leaving town in dangerous winter conditions.
Get your car ready:
A windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, mobile phone, blanket, extra warm clothes, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food are all necessary wintertime items for your car. Make sure your petrol tank is full.
Remain composed when stranded:
Stay calm if you end up trapped. Tell someone where you are and what’s going on. Avoid trying to get to safety by foot. Put a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to show that you need help, and use the dome light and flashers to increase your vehicle’s visibility.
Watch out for snow plows:
Watch for snow plows and give them plenty of space to go by. You should only pass a plow when you can see the road well ahead.
Examine the state of the roads:
To make well-informed travel selections, check the most recent road conditions before setting out on your trip.
Use these helpful winter driving advice from the weather service to stay safe on wintry roads and lower your chance of getting into an accident during inclement weather.
United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.