On Wednesday at 10:53 p.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated winter storm watch valid from Friday 7 a.m. until Saturday 7 a.m. The watch is for Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Franklin, Hart and Elbert counties.
The NWS states to prepare for, "Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Outside the mountains, total snow and sleet accumulations between 1 and 3 inches and ice accumulations around one tenth of an inch possible. Over the mountains, total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches possible."
"Snow and ice accumulations will make many roads treacherous and impassable. The weight of the snow and ice on tree limbs and power lines could produce scattered outages. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes," explains the NWS. "A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet, or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates."
Winter weather wisdom: Driving tips from the NWS for challenging conditions
Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it's safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. 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, including 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, verify the current road conditions to make informed travel decisions.
These winter driving tips from the NWS 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.
Source: The National Weather Service
