Winter Storm, with Possible Snow and Ice, Could Impact Holiday Travel

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WATERBURY, VT – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for most of Vermont with impacts expected Tuesday evening through Thursday morning.

NWS says a mix of rain, ice and snow is expected Tuesday evening, transitioning to rain with pockets of mixed precipitation Wednesday and then back to all snow from west to east around Wednesday evening commute. Some areas could see six inches of snow and/or a half inch or less of ice.

These conditions are likely to impact travel on what is regarded as one of the heaviest travel days of the year. Those travelling for Thanksgiving should expect slippery conditions on roadways. It’s important to prepare now to keep yourself and your family safe.

Keep an eye on conditions and weather forecasts. Vermont Alert is a new service that sends weather alerts directly to your e-mail box, smart phone, or other devices. Create an account at http://vtalert.gov/ to receive up to the minute information.

Plan your travel around forecasts and if possible avoid the worst of the weather. There are many other things you can do now to make your travel safer now and throughout the winter months. According to the Vermont State Police, many drivers during Saturday’s winter storm did not have snow tires and were driving too fast for conditions. We encourage everyone on the road to be prepared and use the following tips to make sure you arrive safely at your destination.

SAFE TRAVEL TIPS
• Let others know your timetable and primary and alternate routes. Allow extra time. The first ½” of snow is sometimes the most slippery. Allow adequate braking distance from the car in front of you.
• Slow down. Many times hazards like black ice are not seen until it is too late. Remember bridges and overpasses can freeze up sooner than roadways.
• Be extra alert. Snowdrifts and snow banks can hide children or other vehicles.
• Have a well-stocked Winter Emergency Car Kit (below).
• Keep your gas tank at least half-full.
• Install good winter tires with adequate tread and pressure.
• Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Keep all windows clear of snow and ice and keep your headlights and taillights clear, as well.
• Check your antifreeze, battery, windshield wipers and wiper fluid.
• Plan long trips carefully, monitoring VT Alert, and listening to the radio or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions.
• Yield to snowplows giving them plenty of room to safely do their job. Be patient and follow at a safe distance.
• Travel during daylight hours, and if possible, take another person with you.

WINTER EMERGENCY CAR KIT
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Charged cell phone/automobile charger
• Basic first-aid kit
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Extra clothes (include rain gear, boots, mittens, socks)
• Windshield scraper & brush
• Fire extinguisher
• Shovel
• Sand/road salt/cat litter for generating traction
• Tire chains or traction mats
• Basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
• Tow rope
• Battery jumper cables
• Road flares/reflectors
• Brightly colored cloth to utilize as a flag
• Road maps (don’t become overly dependent on your GPS)

For more information:
VT State Police on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice
VT State Police on Twitter: https://twitter.com/VTStatePolice @VTStatePolice
VT Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement
VT DEMHS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/vemvt @vemvt
National Weather Service Burlington: http://weather.gov/btv
NWS Albany (forecast office for Bennington and Windham counties): http://weather.gov/aly