The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for Northern Erie and Southern Erie on Tuesday at 4:09 a.m., which is in effect from Wednesday at 4 p.m. until Friday at 4 a.m.
“Snow with a strong lake effect is possible. In areas where snow bands persist, total snow accumulations of more than 12 inches are probable. According to the weather service, gusts of up to 45 mph are possible. “On Wednesday night, an Arctic front will move across the area, potentially bringing a band of heavy snow with rapidly worsening conditions, such as a single inch or two of snow, visibility of less than a quarter mile, and wind gusts of up to 45 mph. Before lake effect snow bands arrive for the remainder of the event, travel throughout the area may soon become challenging.
Snowfall and blowing may cause visibility to decrease below 1/4 mile. Traveling could be somewhat challenging. The commutes on Tuesday morning, Wednesday evening, and Thursday morning and evening may be affected by the dangerous circumstances. Tree branches could fall amid gusty gusts. The meteorological service predicts that roads, particularly bridges and overpasses, will likely turn slippery and dangerous. “For more information on this topic, keep an eye on the most recent forecasts. People ought to think about postponing all of their travel. Use considerable caution when driving if you must travel. Think about packing a snow storm kit that includes supplies like blankets, additional clothing, a shovel, flashlight, booster cables, tire chains, and other necessities. Bring water, a first aid kit, and anything else you might need to survive if you are stuck. The weather during lake effect snow might range from dry conditions a few miles distant to bands of heavy snow locally. Visibilities can differ significantly as well. Be ready for sudden changes in road conditions, visibility, and weather. If you have to go, make sure your car has food, drink, and an additional flashlight in case of an emergency. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation strongly advise drivers to observe all traffic laws and postpone needless travel.
Winter driving essentials: Recommendations from the weather service for safe journeys
Roads are frequently made dangerous by winter’s icy grip, which results in more than 480,000 injuries and over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities annually. Safety should be your first concern when you’re on roads that are covered in snow or freezing rain. Go more slowly and be careful. It’s wise to anticipate icy patches on the road and modify your driving in response when the temperature is close to freezing. Keep an eye out for ice buildup on tree limbs and power lines, since they could shatter and fall. Steer clear of driving in these situations at all costs. However, if you must go outside, avoid touching downed power lines and take paths with fewer trees. If you come across one, call 911 right away. Here are some more driving guidelines for winter conditions:
Tell us about your travel itinerary:
Make sure to let relatives or friends know where you’re going, how you plan to get there, 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:
Remain calm if you end up trapped. Tell someone where you are and what’s going on. Avoid trying to get to safety by foot. To indicate that you need help, fasten a piece of fabric to the antenna or mirror of your vehicle. Use the dome light and flashers to increase the visibility of your car.
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 wise travel choices, check the state of the roads 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.
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