The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning at 4:08 a.m. on Thursday valid from 7 a.m. until Friday 7 a.m. for Essex County.
“The Winter Weather Advisory has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 8 inches with locally higher amounts across higher terrain,” comments the weather service. “Snow arrives around dawn with the heaviest snowfall likely between noon and 9 pm.”
“This will be the first measurable snowfall for many location this season. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult. Heavy wet snow may lead to scattered power outages in some locations,” states the weather service. “If you must travel, check the latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Leave extra time to reach your destination, drive slowly and leave plenty of room between vehicles.”
Winter driving essentials: Recommendations from the weather service for safe journeys
Winter’s icy grip often turns roads treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and more than 480,000 injuries each year. When you find yourself on snowy or freezing rain-slicked roads, your top priority should be safety. Slow down and exercise caution. In temperatures near freezing, it’s prudent to assume icy patches on the road and adjust your driving accordingly. Be on alert for ice accumulating on power lines and tree branches, as they may break and fall. If possible, avoid driving in these conditions altogether. But if you must venture out, choose routes with fewer trees and power lines, and never touch a downed power line. If you encounter one, dial 911 immediately. Here are additional winter weather driving tips:
Share your travel plans:
When venturing out of town in hazardous winter weather, be sure to inform family or friends of your destination, your intended route, and your estimated arrival time.
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, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.
Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the weather service, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.
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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