Current predictions say rain will move in tonight and continue through much of the day tomorrow.
While temperatures will be in the 40’s to around 50 today, overnight the temperatures will be around freezing and will fall during the day on Saturday to the around 27-degree mark.
This morning, Newberry County was placed under a winter storm warning, with a forecast of significant accumulation of sleet and freezing rain.
Regardless of sleet, freezing rain or a cold rain, Sheriff Lee Foster says it looks like an “ugly weekend.”
Also, if there is significant icing on trees and powerlines there is a good chance of the area losing power.
Foster says it is best to be prepared for the potential of winter weather.
Foster reminds residents that with the possibility of ice, they should plan to stay off frozen roads and at home.
The City of Newberry keeps a dump truck with sand at the ready all winter and daily has employees on standby in case of foul weather, says City Manager Jeff Shacker.
With recent wet weather, the sand truck has been sent out regularly to help with break up frozen water on city streets.
City firefighters have stocked up and are prepared for the winter conditions.
Newberry Fire Chief Keith Minick warns residents to be prepared with batteries for backup power sources.
He also reminds residents to have fireplaces and chimneys checked and cleaned before starting a fire for the first time.
Space heaters should have a three-foot clearance and steer away from using candles for light, said Minick. The fire chief reminds citizens not to leave space heaters or candles unattended.
In case of power outages, city officials can be notified by calling 276-0311, or Newberry Electric Cooperative customers can call 276-1121.
Foster says his department will monitor the weather throughout today and tomorrow and updates will be posted on the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Driving safely in snow, on icy roads
Speed - Slow down for wet, snowy, or icy conditions. You will be more likely to maintain control of your vehicle at lower speeds. Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots. These are all potential problem spots for black ice, which is a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface and that may be difficult to see, especially at night.
Following distance - Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Abrupt maneuvers - Avoid excessive actions while steering, braking or accelerating to lessen the chances of losing control of the vehicle. When you’re driving on snow, ice or wet roads, avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.
Braking - Braking gently will help you avoid skidding. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal to avoid wheel lock-up.
Vehicles - Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads. If your vehicle is equipped with Electronic-Stability Control (ESC), make sure it’s turned on. ESC will assist you in maintaining control of your vehicle if it loses traction. Keep your lights and windshield clean and turn on your lights to make you visible to other motorists.
Road conditions - Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roadways, which tend to freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Be aware that road conditions are constantly changing.
Stay alert - When driving in adverse weather conditions, look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by other vehicles will alert you to problems more quickly and may give you a split-second of extra time to react appropriately.
Cruise control - Avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions.
Remember: Winter conditions call for a different kind of driving than normal weather: slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking.
If your vehicle starts to skid - Take your foot off the accelerator. Counter steer: If the rear of your vehicle is sliding left, steer left into the skid. If it’s sliding right, steer right. Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.
If you get stuck - Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way. Lightly apply the accelerator to ease your car out. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car. Pour sand, cat litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels to help get traction.
Be prepared – Check your vehicle’s tires, brakes, fluids, wiper blades, lights, belts and hoses to make sure they’re in good condition before the start of the winter season. Before leaving home, determine the driving conditions. Monitor your local news stations or visit state agency Web sites such as www.scdps.org, www.scdot.org and www.scemd.org. Before leaving, make sure you’ve cleared the snow off your vehicle’s windows and lights, including brake lights and turn signals. Make sure you can see and be seen. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely. Dress appropriately and carry a blanket in the trunk in case you are stranded.
Please remember to report any emergencies or road hazards by calling *47 from your cellular phone.
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