Hazardous Winter Weather

Please drive safely...........

Hazardous Winter Weather Likely Thursday Evening and Friday

WATERBURY – The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning (east of the Green Mountains) and advisory (for the rest of Vermont) for Vermont Thursday night into Friday. A mix of rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected to fall throughout Vermont starting late Thursday evening and continuing into Friday. Counties east of the Green Mountains are expected to see the most precipitation in this event.

The mixture of wet snow and ice are likely to make driving conditions hazardous Thursday night and during the Friday morning commute - and have the potential to cause isolated power outages.

Visit www.511vt.com or go to Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/Vermont511 to check road conditions. Weather updates can be found on the National Weather Service web site: http://www.weather.gov/btv/.

Vermont Emergency Management will also post updates on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vermont-Emergency-Management/142566220102

The Vermont Department of Public Safety urges Vermonters to prepare for these adverse conditions:

When driving:
Determine if your travel is necessary and stay home if possible. Allow extra time to reach your destination if you do go out.
Check road and weather conditions before leaving your home (see links above).
Watch for and expect changing road conditions, ice can appear when you least expect it.
The single most important rule is to drive at a speed that matches the prevailing traffic and road conditions. The posted speed limits are for dry, clear conditions only.
Be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra room, extend the following distance from other vehicles ahead.

General safety tips:
If you encounter a downed power line – NEVER touch it. ALL power lines should be treated as if they are live. Also do not touch tree limbs that are in contact with power lines as that too can lead to electrocution.
The elderly and those with special needs should contact their power company and local emergency officials to alert them of those needs in the event of a power outage.
Have extra batteries, flashlights, water, canned food, and other items on hand in case you lose power.
If you lose power and use a generator – it must only be used OUTDOORS. Ensure your generator exhaust is not entering your home through windows or fresh air vents.
Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in the vicinity of any bedrooms and on each level your home.

For more please visit http://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness.