On Sunday at 3:04 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a winter weather warning effective from 10 p.m. through Tuesday at 1 a.m. for the Central Coast region of western Oregon.
The weather service states, “Snow is expected above 1,000 feet. Total snow accumulations are up to 5 inches excluding up to 8 inches above 2,000 feet. Wind speeds could reach 40 mph, especially on exposed, elevated terrain.”
“Travel may be very difficult,” the weather service comments. “Slow down and be careful while traveling.”
Winter Driving Guide: Tips from the weather service for safe and sound travel
Winter weather can make driving dangerous, resulting in more than 6,000 weather-related deaths and more than 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it is safe to assume icy conditions on the roads and adjust your driving accordingly. Be careful of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to breakage and fall hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you have to venture out, choose routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately call 911 if you encounter one. Here are additional tips for driving in winter weather:
1. Share your travel plans:
When traveling out of town in dangerous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route and estimated time of arrival.
2. Prepare your car:
Make sure your tank is full and stock your car with winter essentials such as a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothes, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable foods.
3. Be calm when you're stranded:
If you're stranded, stay calm. Report your condition and location to someone. Avoid trying to walk to safety. Signal that you need help by attaching a cloth to your car's antenna or mirror, and make your car more visible with dome light and flashers
4. Pay attention to snow plows:
Watch the snow plows and give them plenty of room to pass. Only pass a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.
5. Check road conditions:
Before embarking on your trip, check current road conditions to make informed travel decisions.
Stay safe on winter roads with valuable winter driving tips from the weather service, and reduce the risk of accidents during difficult weather conditions.
Advanced Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to collect the latest data from the National Weather Service.
