1st winter storm poised to strike
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Emporia could have two to three inches of snow tonight after a winter blast that was expected today and this afternoon.
There is a winter weather advisory in effect until 6 p.m. today. Craig Gold of the Channel 49 Storm Team out of Topeka said there would be a lull in precipitation this morning.
“Roadways are mostly above freezing, so city roads and major highways look like they are in decent shape at this point,” Gold wrote on www.ktka.com. “Secondary roads and bridges are usually the first to slick up, so pay special attention to those pathways.”
Gold said there will be a dusting of snow north of the Topeka area, but Topeka could receive an inch or two. Emporia could receive two to three inches.
“The snow later this morning may make a few slick spots on major roadways, but the main threats today will be from reduced visibility in moderate snow bands,” Gold said. “The snow should taper off later this afternoon, with windy and chilly conditions carrying on through he rest of the night.”
The Kansas Department of Transportation offered the following tips for winter driving:
• Buckle up.
• Remove any snow on vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals.
• Check vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, brake lights and signals.
• Leave plenty of time to reach destination safely.
• Drive well below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between cars.
• Stay attentive, reduce speed and know what’s going on.
• Slow down for wet, snowy or icy conditions.
• Avoid excessive actions while steering, braking or accelerating to lessen the chances of losing control of the vehicle.
• When accelerating on snow and ice, take it slow to avoid slipping and sliding.
• If the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down and firmly hold it. If the vehicle doesn’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal.
• Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots. These all can develop black ice — a thin coating of clear ice that forms on pavement surface and can be difficult to see.
• Leave additional room between vehicles and others.
• Don’t take chances when pulling out in front of approaching vehicles.
• Avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions.
• Don’t crowd the plow. Give them time to work. The plows are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder.
• A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not be able to see you. Watch for sudden stops or turns by snowplow.
For road conditions, travelers can call 511 in Kansas from any phone or (866) 511-KDOT from anywhere in the United States or visit http://511.ksdot.org.
For up-to-date closure, cancellation and delay information, see www.emporiagazette.com. For local schools you also can tune to:
• Emporia Public Schools: WIBW, Channel 13, Topeka; KVOE 1400 AM and 101.7 FM are the official stations for Emporia Public Schools.
• North Lyon County: Channel 13, 49 and 27 in Topeka; KVOE and 94.5 Country
• Southern Lyon County: KVOE, WIBW Radio and television in Topeka; KTKA, channel 49, Topeka; KAKE channel 10 in Wichita; KSNT, 27 Topeka; 94.5 Country; 106.9 Country Legends, Topeka; KWCH Channel 12, Wichita and cancellations.com.
socialmancan (anonymous) says...
Also, if you are approaching an intersection and your car begins to slide, put the car in neutral and lightly pump on the brakes.
December 10, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )