A winter storm is an event in which the dominant varieties of precipitation are forms that only occur at cold temperatures, such as snow or sleet, or a rainstorm where ground temperatures are cold enough to allow ice to form (i.e. freezing rain).
The National Weather Service said much of the state could receive a blanket of snow, along with heavy winds, from late tonight through Saturday night.
A Winter Storm Warning that begins at 1 a.m. Saturday and lasts through 6 a.m. Sunday has been issued for most of New Jersey, making snow, sleet and freezing rain the Grinch that might steal your last holiday shopping weekend.
In southern areas of the state, from Ocean County down, snow could start as early as 1 a.m., with accumulation from 4 to 8 inches. From Monmouth and Mercer counties northward, accumulation is expected to be slightly lower, from 4 to 6 inches, and the snow should start closer to daybreak.
The following is a brief list of general winter weather preparedness tips:
Travel Items to Include: All cars should be equipped with road maps, a cell phone, a shovel, a windshield scraper, a towrope, booster cables, and a brightly colored cloth to use as a distress signal. A bag of sand or non-clumping cat litter to spread under tires if stuck in snow is also recommended.
On the Road:
Always follow the rules of the road and adhere to the following guidelines:
Always buckle your seat belt.
Brake properly to avoid skidding. If driving on snow or ice, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when approaching an intersection.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until regaining traction, and then straighten the vehicle. For vehicles with antilock brakes, apply steady pressure.
Visibility and speed:
In fog, drive with headlights set on dim or use fog lights.
In rain, fog, snow or sleet, stay within the limits of your vision. If it is too difficult to see, pull off the road and stop.
Drive slowly and increase following distance. Vehicle speed should adjust for conditions and match the flow of traffic.
Watch for slick spots. Be physically and mentally prepared to react.
No comments:
Post a Comment