A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

National Weather Service: Winter storm in effect late Saturday and Sunday; snow looks certain


The National Weather Service says snow is coming.

We already know it’s colder — temperatures were in the mid-to-high 30s during the day Friday and are expected to be below freezing tonight.

A Winter Storm warning is in effect from 4 a.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday.

Heavy snow is expected with total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches through portions of Southeast Indiana, Northern Kentucky and South Central and Southwest Ohio.

Travel could be very difficult.

Some cities, like Villa Hills, have declared snow emergencies. Villa Hills has asked that vehicles be removed from city streets so Public Works personnel can treat the roads.

Please don’t shovel snow back onto the roadways and keep snow clear of fire hydrants.

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Additional information can be found at this website and on Facebook.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) is cautioning motorists to be prepared for potentially hazardous driving situations by preparing in advance of the storm.

“This storm has already spread snow, sleet, and ice across the country and will likely provide challenging conditions here in the Commonwealth,” says KSP spokesman Sergeant Josh Lawson. “We are taking this opportunity to remind drivers of simple safety tips they can use as we transition into this winter weather season.”
Lawson says the agency relies heavily on its social media platforms to get pertinent information to citizens when winter weather hits the Commonwealth.

“We encourage drivers to check road and weather conditions before traveling by visiting the online traffic, roadway information, and weather portal operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.”

To meet the challenges of the upcoming winter driving season, KSP reminds drivers to plan ahead, make sure all passengers are properly restrained, drive defensively and ensure their vehicle is properly maintained to handle the effects of cold temperatures.

Other safe winter travel tips include:
 
●Refrain from calling 911 for road or weather conditions due to high call volume. Telecommunicators need the lines open to assist callers who have emergencies.
● Reduce speed in wintery conditions.
●Leave early – allow more travel time; expect delays.
●Increase distance between vehicles – the ability to stop is significantly affected on snow covered or icy roadways
 
●Clear all windows on your vehicle prior to travel – having unobstructed vision is vital to avoid running off of the road or having a collision.
 
●Ensure your windshield washer fluid is full and that you use an anti-ice solution.
 
●Turn on your vehicle’s headlamps. Remove any dirt, mud or snow from all vehicle lights.
●Use caution on bridges and overpasses as they are susceptible to freezing before roadways.
●Avoid using cruise control which can cause a vehicle’s wheels to continue turning on a slippery surface when speed needs to be decreased. 
●Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas in the event you are stranded for an extended period of time.
●Charge your cellular phone prior to departure.
●Always dress warmly and keep a blanket in the vehicle.
●Carry a winter survival kit that includes items such as blankets, a first-aid kit, a can and waterproof matches (to melt snow for water), windshield scraper, booster cables, road maps, tool kit, bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow for added traction), collapsible shovel, flashlight and extra batteries.

KSP is also requesting travelers to observe for stranded motorists. If you see or suspect that someone is stranded, contact KSP at 1-800-222-5555.

If you get stranded, staying in your vehicle is often the safest choice, says Lawson, who offers these added tips:

●Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers.
●Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
●Wrap your entire body, including your head, in blankets, or extra clothing.
●Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
●Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let air in. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe as this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
●As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.
●Do not eat un-melted snow. It will lower your body temperature.

“We ask everyone to please remember to be patient,” says Lawson. “Bad weather often produces an unusually high volume of requests for service. Plus, the capabilities of first responders are limited, which increases response time.”


Related Posts

Leave a Comment