On Thursday at 10:45 p.m. an updated winter storm warning was issued by the National Weather Service valid from Friday 7 a.m. until Saturday 7 a.m. The warning is for Greater Caldwell, Greater Burke, Eastern McDowell, Greater Rutherford, Eastern Polk, Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, Greenville Mountains, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Central Greenville and Northern Spartanburg as well as Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Alexander, Iredell, Davie, Catawba, Rowan, Cleveland, Lincoln, Gaston and Cherokee counties.

The NWS states, “Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 1 and 3 inches and ice accumulations around two tenths of an inch.”

“Snow and ice accumulations will make many roads treacherous and impassable. The weight of the snow and ice on tree limbs and power lines could produce scattered outages. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes,” states the NWS. “Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Slow down and use caution while traveling. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”

Winter weather wisdom: Driving tips from the NWS for challenging conditions

Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter driving tips from the NWS:

Share your travel plans:

When traveling out of town in hazardous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.

Prepare your vehicle:

Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies, including a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.

Stay calm when stranded:

If you become stranded, stay composed. Notify someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Attach a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal that you require assistance. Make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers.

Be mindful of snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snow plows and allow them ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check road conditions:

Before embarking on your journey, verify the current road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

These winter driving tips from the NWS are your key to a safer journey on snow-covered roads. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your well-being during challenging winter weather.

Source: The National Weather Service