At 12:47 a.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service released a winter weather advisory valid from 5 p.m. until Sunday 10 a.m. for Berkshire County.
“Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to two inches and ice accumulations around two tenths of an inch,” explains the weather service. “This is going to be an event involving multiple precipitation types. For the eastern New York zones, precipitation will likely begin as snow or a rain/snow mix before a rapid transition to sleet and/or freezing rain. For the western New England zones, precipitation looks to begin as rain before surface temperatures cool and change it to freezing rain. While some uncertainty still exists in the exact timing of the transition and the predominant precipitation type that will be transitioned to, confidence is high that the combination of multiple precipitation types will make for difficult to hazardous travel conditions.”
“Plan on slippery road conditions,” states the weather service. “Slow down and use caution while traveling. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury. Be prepared for possible power outages.”
Drive safely in winter: Expert advice from the weather service 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 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 mindful 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.
These winter driving tips from the weather service 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.
