Winter Storm to Bring Heavy Snow and Hazardous Conditions to Oswego County
OSWEGO, N.Y. — An updated winter weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 5:50 a.m., effective from 8 p.m. on Monday until 6 p.m. on Tuesday for Oswego County. The advisory warns residents to expect total snow accumulations of 4 to 9 inches, with the highest snowfall amounts occurring across the Tug Hill Plateau.
The weather service cautioned that winds could gust as high as 40 mph during the storm. “Periods of snow will result in snow-covered roads and limited visibilities,” the advisory stated. Drivers are urged to slow down and exercise caution while on the road.
Winter weather can pose serious risks, resulting in over 6,000 weather-related fatalities and more than 480,000 injuries annually in the United States. When driving in snowy or icy conditions, safety is paramount. It is advisable to slow down and assume that icy conditions are present, particularly during near-freezing temperatures.
Residents are also warned of potential hazards from ice accumulation on power lines and tree branches, which can snap and create dangerous situations. If travel is necessary, individuals are encouraged to choose routes that avoid areas with many trees and power lines. In case of encountering a downed power line, it is critical to avoid contact and immediately call 911.
The National Weather Service also provided several safety tips for winter driving. Should you plan to travel during hazardous winter weather, inform family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated arrival time.
Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to prepare your vehicle by ensuring your gas tank is full and stocking it with necessary winter supplies. These include a windshield scraper, jumper cables, small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.
If you become stranded while traveling in poor weather conditions, it is important to remain calm. Inform someone about your situation and location, and do not attempt to walk to safety. Indicate that you need assistance by tying a cloth to your vehicle’s antenna or mirror, and increase your visibility using the dome light and hazard flares.
Drivers should also be aware of snow plows and allow them ample space to operate. Overtake a plow only when you have a clear view of the road ahead. Before starting your trip, checking the latest road conditions is also recommended to make informed travel decisions.
By following these winter driving tips, you can help ensure a safer journey on snow-covered roads and significantly reduce the risk of accidents this winter season. The Advance Local Weather Alerts service, powered by United Robots, uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
