Winter weather is causing some businesses and schools to be dismissing early so people can drive safely and get home before the weather is too dangerous.
REGIONAL – KAPP KVEW’s First Alert Weather Team forecasted that a winter storm will be bringing mountain snow and valley rain Tuesday. The rain also could possibly turn into freezing rain for the upper and lower valleys. This means traveling could be treacherous in some areas. Some businesses and schools are already dismissing early so people can drive safely and get home before the weather is too dangerous. The roads are going to have increasing traffic as people begin their travel for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Current Closures and Early Dismissals – Tuesday
12 p.m.
- The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has closed Road B-NW between Road 18-NW and Road 20-NW due to a fatal crash. The GCSO said the roads are covered in ice and drivers should be cautious when attempting to travel this stretch of road. The road is expected to open again by 3 p.m. Tuesday.
- The Prescott School District is releasing staff and students at 2 p.m. Tuesday due to the risk of freezing rain in and around the Tri-Cities area. All afternoon and evening activities are canceled. There are no activity bus runs.
11 a.m.
- The Richland School District Teaching, Learning & Administration Center is closing at 12 p.m. Tuesday. the City of West Richland is working on an emergency repair of a water main leak. The staff will be working remotely for the rest of the day, according to the district. The Richland School Board’s regular meeting that was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. will be by Zoom only.
9:30 a.m.
- PNNL-Richland Campus and the Hanford Site 300 Area are being dismissed due to the risk of freezing rain in and around the Tri-Cities area. Nonessential staff are being asked to clear the building by 10 a.m. and they will not be abble to access the area after this time. Essential staff will still have access.
Most of the valley is under an Air Stagnation Advisory. While currently the advisory is moderate, this can impact how much time you may want to spend outside.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY – TUESDAY
- Kittitas County
- Yakima County
- Benton County
- Franklin County
- Walla Walla County
- Morrow County
- Umatilla County
- Grant County
- Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon
- Wallowa County
To see the current First Alert weather forecast, click here.
To see the current RADAR, click here.
Traveling during winter weather
When it comes to ice and snow on the roads, travel with caution. Many drivers believe because they have the proper snow tires or a vehicle that they don’t have to follow this guideline. Even if a driver is skilled at driving through ice-covered streets and highways, there are many drivers out there that are not. Therefore, the more experienced driver could find themselves in a tough situation when faced with an inexperienced driver. Also, law enforcement and first responders are also at risk as they respond to crashes or people that need immediate help. Give them some space and slow down.
Drivers who are out on the roads, especially in winter weather conditions, should make sure to always have the following items in the car:
- Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries
- Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets
- Windshield scraper
- Shovel
- Multi-tool (Swiss Army Knife)
- Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Water and snack food (beef jerky, granola, nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter, hard candy)
- First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocket knife
- Tow chains or rope
- Tire chains
- Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
- Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction, or road salt to melt ice
- Booster cables with fully charged battery or jumper cables
- Hazard or other reflectors
- Bright colored flag or help signs, emergency distress flag, and/or emergency flares
- Road maps
- Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water
If you are driving in winter conditions and your car breaks down or you go off the road, walking to get help could put you more at risk. Assess the situation before leaving your vehicle. With freezing temperatures, unless your vehicle could be a hazard, you need to use it for shelter. If you stay with your vehicle, make sure to clear the area around your tailpipe from debris and snow before you keep your car running for heat.
Don’t use cruise control while driving in winter weather. You could encounter black ice. Black ice is thin, transparent ice that blends in with the color of the road. If your car starts to slide, take your foot off the brake and steer the wheel in the direction your car is going. If your car’s back end is sliding left, take your foot off the brake and steer left.
If your car becomes covered in ice, don’t pour hot water over the ice to break it up. You can crack your windshield or other glass. You can buy de-icer at a store or you can make one at home. Use one part isopropyl alcohol (known as rubbing alcohol) and two parts water. Make sure it is at room temperature before you spray or put it on the ice-covered glass.
Before heading out to drive in winter weather conditions, check your tires. Make sure they are at the right PSI. This is also a good time to check your battery and make sure it is in good working order.
Winter weather also means protecting the four Ps: People, pets, plants and pipes!
- People: Check on your friends and family to make sure they are doing all right or if they need any help. Don’t just stop there. Check on your neighbors, especially if they are older and may not be able to salt/sand their walkway or driveway.
- Pets: Your furry friends need to have a place to go if they are usually outside. Make sure there is food and water available to them. Make sure they have a shelter they can go to if there is heavy rain or snow.
- Plants: Cover those plants if they are not winter-friendly.
- Pipes: Make arrangements to have your pipes insulated if you can. You can also leave a faucet dripping overnight and that can also help. Cover outside hose spigots and drain the water out of sprinkler and backflow systems. Make sure you know the location of the water shut-off valve so you can quickly shut the water off in case of an emergency. If there is a power outage that lasts longer than 24 hours, stop dripping the faucets.
Using a generator
Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if the doors and windows are open. Generators are to be used outside, at least 20 feet away from your home, doors and windows. If you are using a generator, make sure there are working carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and especially outside sleeping areas. If the alarm goes off, get to an area that has fresh air like an open window or outside. Call 911 immediately.
Using a space heater
If you have to use a space heater for warmth, choose a safe product. Don’t bargain hunt and look for a product that has been tested by a third party for safety. There will be a UL listing or UL rating on the device. Look for a device that has an automatic shut-off if it is tipped over or is overheating. Never plug a space heater into a power strip or extension cord. Do not leave it unattended, including going to sleep. Don’t trust the timers as that can provide a false sense of security. Always make sure you have battery operated smoke detectors that you are monitoring with frequent checks.
ALSO ON YAKTRINEWS.COM:
COPYRIGHT 2022 BY YAKTRINEWS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.