Winter Weather Coming to Ohio Valley
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WHEELING -- The Wheeling area could see an inch of snow or more, according to several weather forecasts, which means residents must be wary of hazardous road conditions.
The National Weather Service said snow should begin sometime Thursday afternoon or evening and continue to accumulate. The NWS forecast as of Wednesday evening that accumulation could be less than an inch, but other forecasting sites believe there could be more. The NWS said the chance of precipitation Thursday night was 80%.
Regardless, temperatures will plummet over the next few days. Ohio Valley residents enjoyed temperatures in the mid-40s Wednesday afternoon, but those plunged into the teens by Wednesday night. Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing until at least Saturday.
The upcoming winter weather isn't supposed to come close to what was seen in Virginia, where a foot of snow led to a crash involving several tractor trailers on Interstate 95 and stranded motorists on that roadway for more than 24 hours. Yet there is never a bad time to be prepared for such an event, said Jim Garrity, public and legislative affairs manager for AAA East Central.
"It's not really an alarmist way of thinking," Garrity said.
This time of year, AAA recommends several items be kept throughout one's vehicle in case of emergency. In the glove compartment, keep a cell phone and car charge, first aid kit and some drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car, including pets.
In the luggage area, keep a blanket, more food and water, a basic set of tools and emergency warning devices like road flares or reflectors. And find somewhere to keep a flashlight with extra batteries, an ice scraper/snow brush, jumper cables, traction aid like sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter, rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes, tarp, raincoat, gloves and a shovel.
"I keep a case of water in my car," Garrity said, "not just for me and the people in my car, but for the people around me, too."
Another important thing to do is to keep as close to a full tank of gas as possible, Garrity added. He said to top of the tank if the level falls to a half- or quarter-tank.
"It may seem annoying to stand in the cold and fill the tank again," he said, "but you'll thank yourself later if you're stranded for a long time and that full gas tank is what's keeping you warm through the night."