What You Need to Know: Winter Weather Coming for Otsego County, New York

Just like that, it's time for our first real dose of winter weather. From the National Weather Service:

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...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM EST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of up to one half inch and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch. Southeast winds gusting as high as 35 mph Thursday morning.

* WHERE...Southern Oneida, Otsego and Delaware counties. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 9 AM EST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Highest chance for a light glaze of ice will be across the higher terrain of the eastern portion of the counties. Ice will be mainly confined to colder, elevated surfaces, but could also impact bridges and overpasses.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Winter Driving Safety

The snow will not be as much of a factor as the ice will be. If the roads are bad and haven't been treated yet, stay home until it's safe to do so. If you must go out and the roads are icy, be sure to exercise extreme caution. Make sure you're riding on proper winter tires, and they're inflated to manufacturer's standards.

If you have chains and it's super icy, don't hesitate to use them. Remember, in icy conditions, four wheel or all wheel drive doesn't mean all wheel stop. Slow the he double hockey sticks down. If you start to skid, damage to you and your vehicle will be much less at slower speeds.

Accelerate and brake slowly and give yourself more distance between cars in front and back of you. 10 times the stopping distance is needed compared to dry pavement. Let that sink in! Don't bother trying to pass in adverse conditions. If some joker tries to pass you, pull as far to the right as you can, safely and let them go on their way.

Finally, pay attention on bridges, overpasses, and ramps. They freeze first and thaw last. They get colder than regular asphalt; there's no insulation for them, and they're made of concrete!