Jan. 4—GREENSBURG — According to Decatur County Emergency Management, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday evening.
Heavy winter precipitation is expected with a high probability of snow amounts exceeding six inches, with potential for significant accumulations of sleet and freezing rain across southern portions of central Indiana.
Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Strong winds and the weight of snow on tree limbs may down powerlines and could cause sporadic power outages.
Here are a few tips from the Indiana Department of Transportation on driving in hazardous winter weather:
—Before leaving home, find out about driving conditions. Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits.
—Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen.
—Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses.
—Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
—Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle including winter travel gear, tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables and road flares.
Drivers often aren’t prepared for winter driving and forget to take it slow. Drive well below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between cars. Remember that roads that seem dry may actually be slippery and dangerous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas — all are hot spots for black ice.
Stay attentive and reduce speed. Even if you have an SUV with four-wheel drive you may not be able to stop any faster or maintain control any better once you lose traction. A four-wheel drive may get you going faster, but it won’t help you stop sooner.
Give snowplows room to work. They are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder. Don’t tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.
Snowplows travel below the posted speed limit. Be patient. Allow plenty of time to slow down. And remember that a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they don’t always see you.
Keep your distance and watch out for sudden stops or turns.
For more information on local weather, visit the Decatur County Emergency Management Agency on Facebook or go to www.decaturcounty.in.gov.
Contact Bill Rethlake at 812-651-0876 or email bill.rethlake@greensburgdailynews.com