More snow showers and flurries are on the way for the Tri-Cities. Through Friday morning, scattered snow showers and flurries will be likely. Accumulations in the Tri-Cities will be from a dusting to 2 inches. 1-3 inches of snow are possible in the mountains of southwest Virginia, northeast Tennessee, and western North Carolina. Watch for slick spots Friday morning, especially in the mountain areas and on bridges and overpasses.
More very cold air will pour into the region on Friday with breezy conditions and highs back in the low to mid 30s. Flurries and snow showers are possible through midday. Winds could gust up to 35 mph with wind chills in the teens across the lower elevations and single digits across the mountains. Be sure to dress warmly and in layers.
Clearing and frigid Friday night with lows in the lower to middle teens (close to the record of 12 set in 2000).
Sunny to partly cloudy skies are in the forecast this weekend as high pressure builds in. Mornings will be cold in the teens and highs will reach the 40s. Another chance of rain or snow showers arrives on Monday and will last into Tuesday. At this time, travel weather looks good for Wednesday and Thanksgiving.
We will continue to track this winter-like weather. Stay with us on-air and on-line for the latest snowfall and temperature forecasts.
- Dave Dierks
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Winter Weather Awareness Week
Are you ready for a winter storm?
The final chapter...
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and other Holiday travel is coming soon. Now is a good time focus on winter travel.
About 70 percent of deaths linked to wintery weather happen in automobiles. Here are some tips to help from being part of that woeful statistic...
Make checking the latest weather reports part of your travel plans so you can avoid storms.
Carry a NOAA Weather Radio along to tune into local weather information 24 hours a day. The newer weather radio's are capable of being alerted for warnings in specific counties. For a list of the County codes...call 1-888-NWS-same (1-888-697-7263) or on the internet at http://www.weather.gov/nwr/
Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.
Carry a winter storm survival kit in your car. The kit should include ...
1. Blankets or sleeping bags
2. A flashlight with extra batteries
3. A first aid kit
4. A knife
5. Some high-calorie, non-perishable food
6. Extra clothing to keep dry
7. A large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
8. A smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
9. A sack of sand or cat litter for traction
10. A shovel
11. A windshield scraper and brush
12. A tool kit for emergency repairs
13. A Tow rope
14. Battery booster cables
15. A clean water container
16. A Compass and Road maps.
Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Try not to travel alone. Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.
A last reminder...a Winter Storm Watch means that winter weather is possible...a Winter Storm Warning is when winter weather has begun or is about to begin. Start your preparations now for the safest winter season possible and stay tuned to the forecast.
We here at the National Weather Service hope you have found the information from the last three days helpful. We want this and all winter seasons to be the safest possible. If you have questions about this or any weather related questions...feel free to contact your nearest National Weather Service office.
The National Weather Service reminds you that the best defense against severe winter weather is to be prepared. Make sure that severe weather does not catch you off guard. Start preparing now for the dangerous ice and cold that will prevail in the next few months. Remember, most deaths and injuries related to winter weather are caused by driving on icy roads or through over exertion.
In the event of a winter storm, only leave your home in an emergency. If a blizzard traps you in a car, pull off the Road, activate hazard lights, and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window. Remain in your vehicle. Rescuers are more likely to find you there. Adequate preparation and caution are important elements in survival during severe winter weather. Stay informed of developing weather conditions by listening to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest winter storm advisories.
