From the Lawrence County Office Of Emergency Services…… many have requested current road conditions across the county. As of lunchtime today roads across the county are passable with most of the main roads in good shape, county roads are covered but still passable. As always there is a chance of black ice on State Highways so travel is still hazardous.

Mayor Charles Snapp advised us earlier he has his salt truck and street department ready for the expected snowfall. We are watching weather modules from the National Weather Service trying to anticipate what is coming in this evening.

County Judge Dale Freeman has graders working in the county now and will continue if we get the amounts of snowfall and ice predicted.

The official forecast from the NWS at 1:00 pm is as follows:
This Afternoon

Freezing rain likely. Some thunder is also possible. Cloudy, with a high near 31. North northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tonight

Rain likely before midnight, then snow likely between midnight and 3am, then rain and snow likely after 3am. Cloudy, with a low around 28. Blustery, with a north wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday

A 50 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. Breezy, with a north wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

As always stay safe and avoid travel if possible. We will continue to update you as conditions change.

Winter weather tips……
*Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.

*Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.

Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas.
Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, nausea, and disorientation.
Keep grills and generators out of the house and garage. Position generators at least 20 feet from the house.

*Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages.

Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including:
battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps; extra batteries; first-aid kit and extra medicine;
baby items; and cat litter or sand for icy walkways.

*Prepare your car for winter.
Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level; check tire tread or, if necessary, replace tires with all-weather or snow tires
Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.
Keep a winter emergency kit in your car in case you become stranded. Include
blankets; food and water; booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction);
compass and maps; flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries; first-aid kit; and plastic bags (for sanitation).

Learn safety rules to follow in case you become stranded in your car.
Stay with your car unless safety is no more than 100 yards away, but continue to move arms and legs.
Stay visible by putting bright cloth on the antenna, turning on the inside overhead light (when engine is running), and raising the hood when snow stops falling.
Run the engine and heater only 10 minutes every hour.
Keep a downwind window open.
Make sure the tailpipe is not blocked.

Of course the best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

Above all, be prepared to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill. Make sure they have the supplies, medication, etc.. needed.

If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter food, and unfrozen water for them to drink.