At 2:39 a.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service issued an updated winter weather advisory for the Lower Columbia River that was in effect from 4 p.m. until Friday at 4 p.m.
Precipitation is predicted to be mixed. The weather service reports total snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of around a tenth of an inch. “On Thursday morning, precipitation starts as snow. By midday on Thursday, the precipitation will change to mostly freezing rain. Power disruptions may occur due to regions experiencing freezing rain.
“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” the news agency says. “Be ready for roads that are slick. When driving, reduce your speed and exercise caution. Watch your initial few steps on driveways, sidewalks, and stairs if you’re going outside. You run a higher risk of falling and getting hurt since these surfaces could be icy and slick. Keep a winter emergency driving kit on hand. Typical supplies to have include a shovel, flashlight, batteries, blankets, water, non-perishable food, tire chains, etc. Watch out for potentially slippery walking surfaces. Take additional care when you walk.
Winter weather wisdom: Driving tips from the weather service for challenging conditions
Roads are frequently made dangerous by winter’s icy grip, which results in more than 480,000 injuries and over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities annually. Safety should be your first concern when you’re on roads that are covered in snow or freezing rain. Go more slowly and be careful. It’s wise to anticipate icy patches on the road and modify your driving in response when the temperature is close to freezing. Keep an eye out for ice buildup on tree limbs and power lines, since they could shatter and fall. Steer clear of driving in these situations at all costs. However, if you must go outside, avoid touching downed power lines and take paths with fewer trees. If you come across one, call 911 right away. The weather service has provided the following extra winter driving advice:
Tell us about your travel itinerary:
Make sure to let relatives or friends know where you’re going, how you plan to get there, and when you expect to arrive when you’re leaving town in dangerous winter conditions.
Get your car ready:
A windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, mobile phone, blanket, extra warm clothes, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food are all necessary wintertime items for your car. Make sure your petrol tank is full.
Remain composed when stranded:
Remain calm if you end up trapped. Tell someone where you are and what’s going on. Avoid trying to get to safety by foot. To indicate that you need help, fasten a piece of fabric to the antenna or mirror of your vehicle. Use the dome light and flashers to increase the visibility of your car.
Watch out for snow plows:
Watch for snow plows and give them plenty of space to go by. You should only pass a plow when you can see the road well ahead.
Examine the state of the roads:
To make wise travel choices, check the state of the roads before setting out on your trip.
The weather service’s winter driving advice is essential for a safer trip on snow-covered roads. You may greatly lower your chance of accidents and protect your health during the harsh winter months by adhering to these rules.
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