By Annabeth Miller, SMT Editor
Here we go with the snow!
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Wednesday night through Thursday night. The NWS reports accumulating snow is expected in the region late Wednesday night through Thursday.
A low pressure over the Great Lakes Region will drag a cold front across the middle Mississippi and lower Ohio river valleys. Cold air will combine with moisture already in place to provide a good change of snow. Gusty northwest winds will also reportedly cause some blowing snow along with wind chill readings dipping into the teens single digits.
In advance of the predicted wintery weather, the Missouri Department of Transportation has reminded motorists that even light precipitation can quickly case roads to become slick and dangerous.
“One of the biggest travel issues when winter weather strikes is black ice. Motorists need to be especially cautious as falling drizzle freezes or melted snow refreezes making black ice a concern, especially on bridges and overpasses,” said Customer Relations Manager Sally Oxenhandler.
MoDOT crews are prepared for the snow and ice and ready to treat the state’s highways, Oxenhandler reports.
MoDOT also offerers the following tips for driving in inclement weather:
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Use common sense, and adjust your speed to suit driving conditions.
- If weather conditions warrant windshield wipers, turn your headlights on. They help you see and help other drivers see you. Plus, it's the law.
- Double the distance you normally leave between you and the next car.
- Use gentle pressure on your accelerator pedal when starting on wet or slick surfaces.
- Give snowplows plenty of room, and try not to pass them when conditions are poor.
- Remember that driving is most hazardous when temperatures are near 32 degrees.
- Watch for other vehicles having problems with road conditions.
- Don't pass other vehicles on or near bridges.
- Keep your fuel tank at least half full.
Links of Interest
Photo Above: Wintery weather may indeed cover the Bootheel by Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah. (SMT File Photo by Annabeth Miller)
