Winter storm warning issued for Oneida County until early Friday morning – up to 16 inches of snow

At 4:23 a.m. Wednesday, a winter storm warning was issued by the National Weather Service, effective from 1 p.m. until 4 a.m. Friday for Oneida County.

“Total snow accumulations between 8 and 16 inches. Winds gusting up to 35 mph,” the weather service said. “Light snow will develop this afternoon, increasing in intensity this evening. Embedded snow squalls could reduce visibility to near zero at times Thursday morning. Winds will become increasingly gusty Thursday, as the event will change to lake effect snow.”

“Travel could be very difficult, if not impossible. Dangerous conditions could impact travel on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning,” adds the weather service. “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 Weather Service in Challenging Conditions

Winter’s icy grip often makes roads dangerous, leading to more than 6,000 weather-related vehicle deaths and more than 480,000 injuries each year. When you find yourself on snowy or freezing rain roads, your top priority should be safety. Slow down and be careful. In near-freezing weather, it is prudent to anticipate icy areas on the road and adjust your driving accordingly. Be aware of ice accumulating on power lines and tree branches, as they could break and fall. If possible, avoid driving in these conditions altogether. But if you must venture out, choose routes with fewer trees and power lines, and never touch a downed power line. If you encounter one, call 911 immediately. Here are other winter driving tips from the weather service:

Share your travel plans:

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

Prepare your vehicle:

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

Stay calm when you are stuck:

If you get stuck, stay calm. Tell someone about your situation and location. Avoid trying to walk to safety. Indicate that you need help by attaching a cloth to your car’s antenna or rearview mirror, and make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and turn signals.

Watch out for snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snowplows and give them plenty of room to pass. Only pass a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check road conditions:

Before you embark on your trip, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

These winter driving tips from the weather service are the key to traveling safely on snowy roads. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your well-being during harsh winter conditions.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.