On Tuesday at 11:53 p.m. an updated winter storm watch was issued by the National Weather Service valid from Wednesday 4 p.m. until Friday 4 a.m. for Northern Erie and Southern Erie as well as Crawford County.
“Snow with a strong lake effect is possible. Snow accumulations of more than 12 inches are possible. As per the weather service, it is likely that winds might reach 45 mph. “An Arctic front will cross the region on Wednesday night and could bring a band of heavier snow with quickly deteriorating conditions, including a quick inch or two of snow, visibility of 1/4 mile or less, and wind gusts to 45 mph. Before lake effect snow bands arrive for the remainder of the event, travel throughout the area may soon become challenging. Strong wind gusts as high as 45 mph may result in blowing snow and local reductions in visibility. The large snowpack across the region from the recent lake effect event may drift and cause hazardous travel conditions.”
Snowfall and blowing may cause visibility to decrease below 1/4 mile. Traveling could be somewhat challenging. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches,” describes the weather service. “Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.”
Mastering winter roads: Guidance from the weather service for safe winter travel
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. The weather service has provided the following extra winter driving advice:
Tell us about your travel itinerary:
When traveling out of town in hazardous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.
Get your car ready:
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.
Remain composed when stranded:
If you become stranded, stay composed. Notify someone about your situation and location. Avoid trying to get to safety by foot. Attach a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal that you require assistance. 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 allow them 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.
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