Much of Central New York is under Lake Effect Snow Warnings for Black Friday through Saturday morning. It's creating bands of whiteout conditions across Interstates 90 and 81 at the busiest travel time of the year.
The American Automobile Association has recommended avoiding driving during the storm, which the National Weather Service forecasts will last from late Thursday night through early Saturday morning.
If driving is unavoidable, here are a few safeguards AAA advises drivers revisit.
Winter Driving Tips:
- Slow down.
- Create at least an eight second gap between you and the car ahead.
- Take hills slow and steady, and do not stop until level.
- Go slowly when heading down hill.
- When turning, stop fully, then turn the wheel.
- Accelerate slowly from stops or turns.
“If you do start to spin out," said Elizabeth Carey with Western and Central New York AAA, "try to remain calm, apply steady breaking, and steer in the direction that you want to go.”
If the vehicle leaves the road, check that the tail pipe is clear of debris and or snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Climb back in the vehicle and buckle up.
“If you can safely keep it running, keep warm, do that as well," said Triple A’s top roadside service technician, Eric Rogers. "The worst thing to do is to get out of your vehicle and stand on the side of the road, because you are safer in your vehicle.”
Rogers added that drivers should crack the window enough to allow air to flow while they wait for assistance, which during the busiest travel season and in inclement weather can take several hours.
For that reason, AAA recommends drivers pack an emergency preparedness kit to help endure the wait if caught in snowy weather.
An Emergency Preparedness kit includes:
- Water
- Non-perishable snacks
- A flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Blankets
- Gloves & warm socks
- Proper winter boots
- Jumper cables
- Sandbags, cat litter or rubber tire mats
- Fully charged cell phone
- Fully charged portable cell charger
- Cell phone cables
Before leaving, share your route and estimated arrival time, along with a location app with someone who cares, to ensure a speedier rescue if you experience trouble in in a storm.
