UHDPS Weather Alert
UHDPS is urging UH community members to take proper precautions and plan for the winter weather we will be experiencing tomorrow. Plan for extra travel time and expect possible freezing and snowy driving conditions. Please monitor the UH Emergency Web site for updates and additional information.
http://www.piersystem.com/go/site/1093
Houston Area Forecast:
A fast-moving upper level disturbance will interact with a deep layer of cold air, resulting in a good chance of heavy snow Friday. Rain showers are expected to mix with sleet and snow after sunrise Friday with a transition to all snow from midday to early afternoon Friday. Snow, which could be moderate to heavy at times, will continue through the afternoon and early evening before tapering off near midnight. Accumulations between two and four inches are expected with isolated higher amounts possible. Windy conditions will also lead to the risk of blowing snow.
Temperatures across the entire region are forecast to slowly fall as we head through the day on Friday. Most areas could see temperatures near or just above freezing by midday with near freezing temperatures expected through the afternoon. Temperatures overnight into early Saturday morning are forecast to fall into the mid to upper 20s north and west of Houston with lows on Saturday in the upper 20s to low 30s expected everywhere else with the exception of the immediate coast, where temperatures could stay just above freezing. Cold temperatures could result in lingering slick spots on elevated roadways through sunrise Saturday.
The combination of cold temperatures and windy conditions could lead to wind chill values as low as the lower 20s to upper teens Friday afternoon and evening.
Tips for driving in the snow:
- Make certain your tires are properly inflated
- Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up
- Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
- Always look and steer where you want to go.
- Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
- Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning - nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
- The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to 10 seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
- Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
- Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
- Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
- Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
For more information about driving on ice or snow please go to:
http://www.aaapublicaffairs.com/Assets/Files/200711281238140.HowtoGoonIceandSnow.pdf
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