Travel Advisory Issued: Prepare For Snow, Freezing Rain Tonight And Tomorrow

The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a hazardous travel advisory for tomorrow, Saturday, December 17. New Yorkers be warned: tomorrow’s forecast predicts slightly warmer weather (a high of 42 and a low of 41 degrees Fahrenheit) but also potential for snow and freezing rain all day long.

“New Yorkers are advised to exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking, and allow for additional travel time as roads may be slippery,” says a PSA sent out by the Mayor’s Office. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service, to be in effect for all of NYC from midnight until 10am on Saturday, December 17.

The snow is expected to start tonight and continue through tomorrow morning around 7am to 8 am, at which time it will likely turn into rain, with periods of freezing rain. Due to the possibility of icing roadways, please be extra careful while traveling tomorrow.

Some tips from the Mayor’s Office regarding driving in snowy or icy conditions:

• Drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement
• Use major streets or highways for travel where possible
• Install good winter tires that have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions
• Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles
• Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in icy or snowy conditions
• If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle
• Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible
• Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck
• If you get stuck on the road, stay with your car and contact a towing company

You can find other cold weather tips in Thursday’s post about this week’s intensely cold weather (sigh). Stay warm, everyone.