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Panhandle Roads Could Get A Little Icy
December 24, 2010
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging all residents and visitors to take extreme precaution this holiday weekend when traveling on roadways as a complex weather system will bring freezing temperatures and rain to parts of Northern Florida.
“The Sunshine State doesn’t often experience the combination of cold temperatures and rain,” said Director David Halstead of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Therefore it is extremely important that travelers take extra precautions during this cold weather event, in case the rain causes icy roadways and hazardous driving conditions.”
A low pressure system will develop over the Northern Gulf of Mexico on Saturday and move quickly to the northeast across North Florida throughout the day. This will bring a cold front and rain through North Florida Saturday and through the Peninsula on Sunday. There is a chance in the Panhandle that this rain could freeze late Saturday night into early Sunday morning and produce black ice on roadways.
Halstead offered these safety tips for those traveling in North Florida over the holiday weekend:
- If conditions become hazardous, slow down and leave extra space between your car and the car in front of you.
- Stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
- Watch for icy surfaces on bridges. Even when the rest of the road seems to be in good condition, bridge decks will ice up first.
- Never use cruise control functions if it is raining or sleeting.
- Prepare your vehicle by topping off wiper fluid, checking tire air pressure as colder weather lowers pressure, and keep your fuel tank at least half full.
- If your vehicle does pass over ice, try to remain calm and do not overreact. Allow the vehicle to decelerate, but do not brake. Steer as straight as possible, and once you have traction, brake slowly.
- Tune into your radio, television or NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.
Comments
One Response to “Panhandle Roads Could Get A Little Icy”
William,
Do you have any idea how early the ice will be on the road, and about when the temp will be above freezing? I have at least 4 bridges to cross in the morning. I need to leave by 9AM at the latest.