Major Winter Storm Watch Issued for Western New York
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The National Whether Service issued a winter storm watch early Monday morning, impacting several counties in Western New York. the watch, effective from 7 a.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Sunday, covers Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Erie counties.
According to the National Weather Service, residents should prepare for “Heavy lake effect snow possible. Total snowfall accumulations of greater than 7 inches.”
The weather service warns that “Travel could be tough. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes,” adding that “Narrow bands of heavy snow could bring rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Localized travel problems will be possible.”
Winter Driving Safety: Essential Tips
Winter weather poses notable risks to drivers. The national Safety Council reports over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and more than 480,000 injuries annually. Safe driving practices are crucial during winter storms. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and anticipate icy patches, even on roads that appear clear. Be aware of potential hazards like falling tree branches and downed power lines. if you see a downed power line, instantly call 911.
Preparing for Winter Travel
Share yoru travel plans: Before embarking on a journey during inclement weather, inform family or friends of your destination, route, and estimated arrival time. This simple precaution can be lifesaving.
Prepare your vehicle: Ensure your gas tank is full. Pack a winter emergency kit including a scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, fully charged cell phone, warm blankets, extra clothing, water, and high-calorie, non-perishable snacks.
Stay informed about weather updates and adjust your travel plans accordingly. Prioritizing safety is key to navigating winter storms safely.
Winter Driving safety: Essential Tips for U.S. Drivers
winter weather can transform even familiar roads into treacherous driving conditions. Preparing your vehicle and knowing how to react in challenging situations are crucial for staying safe. This guide offers essential winter driving tips to help you navigate snowy and icy roads with confidence.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Driving
Before embarking on any winter journey, ensure your vehicle is properly equipped. This includes checking your tire pressure and tread depth, ensuring your battery is in good condition, and topping off fluids like antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. Keeping a winter emergency kit in your car is also vital. This kit should include items such as blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a supply of non-perishable food.
What to Do if You Become Stranded
If you find yourself stranded, remaining calm is paramount. Immediately notify someone of your situation and precise location. Resist the urge to walk to safety, as this can be extremely perilous in severe weather. To increase your visibility to passing vehicles, attach a brightly colored cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror, and turn on your dome light and hazard flashers.
Snow plows are essential for clearing roads, but they require significant space to operate safely. Always maintain a safe following distance and avoid overtaking unless you have a entirely unobstructed view of the road ahead. Give snow plows plenty of room to maneuver.
Checking Road Conditions Before You Go
Before starting your trip, checking current road conditions is a critical step. Numerous resources, including state Department of Transportation websites and weather apps, provide up-to-the-minute reports on road closures, accidents, and hazardous conditions. Making informed travel decisions based on these reports can significantly reduce your risk.
By following these winter driving tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of accidents and ensure a safer journey during challenging weather conditions. Remember, preparedness and caution are key to navigating winter roads successfully.
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.
Western New York Braces for Major Winter Storm: Expert Offers Safety Advice
Western New York residents are bracing for a potentially significant winter storm, with a watch issued for several counties, including Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Erie. Experts warn of heavy lake-effect snow accumulations exceeding 7 inches, which could significantly impact travel and daily life. to help residents prepare for the storm’s challenges, world-today-news.com Senior Editor, Emily Carter, sat down with local meteorologist Dr. Sarah Evans for essential safety tips.
Emily Carter: Dr. evans, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. Can you elaborate on the potential impact of this winter storm on the region?
Dr. Sarah Evans: Certainly, Emily. This storm system is expected to bring heavy lake-effect snow, particularly off Lake Erie. We’re looking at the possibility of significant accumulations, with certain areas receiving over a foot of snow. This will undoubtedly create hazardous driving conditions and may even lead to power outages.
Emily Carter: With travel being a primary concern for many residents, what advice would you give to those who must venture out during the storm?
Dr. Sarah Evans: Its crucial to prioritize safety above all else. If you can avoid needless travel, please do so. If you must drive, allow for extra time, reduce your speed significantly, and increase your following distance.
remember, even roads that appear clear can have icy patches. Be extra cautious around bridges and overpasses, as they tend to freeze first.
Emily Carter: What safety precautions should people take before the storm arrives?
Dr.Sarah Evans: Planning is key. Stock up on essential supplies such as food, water, flashlights, and batteries. Ensure your vehicle is in good working order, including your battery and tires. It’s also an excellent idea to charge all electronic devices beforehand.
Emily Carter: Any final words of advice for our readers, Dr. Evans?
Dr. Sarah Evans: Stay informed by monitoring weather updates regularly.Be aware of your surroundings, and if you see downed power lines or other hazards, report them immediately.Remember,safety should always be the top priority during severe weather events.
Emily Carter: Thank you, Dr. Evans, for these valuable insights. We appreciate your expertise.
