Wilsonville Spokesman Online

Snow likely

National Weather Service issues winter weather warning

• By: Michelle Te  
• Published: 12/11/2009 2:05:17 PM

Winter weather
AAA OregonWashington warns drivers to be sure you and your car are prepared, and drive smart.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Friday and Saturday in the Willamette Valley. There’s a 30 percent chance of snow after 4 p.m. today, with snow likely after 10 p.m. It will be cloudy, with a low around 23 degrees and calm winds. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible, with 1-2 inches accumulation overnight.

Saturday: Freezing rain before 10 a.m., then freezing rain and sleet, with the snow level at 800 feet, and a high near 32 degrees.Little or no ice accumulation is expected, but new sleet accumulation of around an inch is possible.
The freezing rain and sleet continues into the evening, becoming all freezing rain after 10 p.m. There’s a 50 percent chance of rain on Sunday 

Tips for cold weather driving
AAA Oregon/Idaho warns drivers to be prepared for winter driving conditions. "Make sure your car is prepared for winter weather, make sure you’re prepared to cope with colder temperatures and hazardous road conditions, and take it easy behind the wheel," says AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds. "Treacherous conditions on a busy Saturday during the holiday season could really cause problems for drivers. In addition, we're expecting a lot of traffic on I-5 and in Corvallis Saturday for the 6A, 5A and 4A High School Football State Championship games at Reser Stadium."
During the past week, sub-freezing temperatures have resulted in a higher call volume to AAA Oregon/Idaho. Calls for roadside assistance are running from 20 to 60 percent higher than normal. Most requests for service have been for dead batteries.
Following are a few tips to help you face winter driving conditions from Earl Baker, AAA Oregon/Idaho Approved Auto Repair Coordinator :
*Car Preparation: Be sure the battery is fully charged; check all fluid levels, including anti-freeze; check ignition wiring; be sure all lights operate properly; be sure tires and brakes are in good condition; and be sure the windshield wipers and washer work properly. Most importantly, try to keep the fuel tank at least half full at all times. Adding weight in the back of rear drive vehicles, including pick-ups, will improve traction.
*Winter Driving Kit: In emergencies, the following items are invaluable: tire chains, abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, a small shovel, a flashlight, an ice scraper, rags or paper towels, blankets, flares or other warning devices, and booster cables. Pack bottled water and some snacks, such as energy bars. And be sure your mobile phone is fully charged before you hit the road.
*Drive Smart: Slow down on snow and ice covered roads; know what type of braking system you have and how to apply brakes properly (for example, don't bump anti-lock brakes); make gentle stops and starts to prevent skids; dress according to weather conditions; and let others know your travel plans, including destination, route, and expected time of arrival so they can alert authorities if you don't make it to your destination.
Many newer vehicles have traction control systems. You can use traction devices, such as snow tires and/or chains, on these vehicles, but you need to apply the traction devices on all four wheels, as each wheel has the job of acquiring traction through the brake system and each wheel needs to be treated equally.

For more information, go to www.AAA.com.

What is sleet, exactly?
Sleet: Frozen rain that goes “splat” when it hits the ground or other things that might be in its path. Sleet is usually about the size of raindrops. Moisture collects and falls out of the clouds. On its way down, if the temperature is right, the moisture will freeze and fall to the ground as sleet.

Freezing rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways. Temperatures at higher levels are warm enough for rain to form, but surface temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, causing the rain to freeze on impact.

Snow: Precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals.

Hail: Big frozen drops of rain made during wild thunderstorms. Hail falls from the sky and then the wind picks it up and carries it back into the cloud. Then it falls again and collects more water which freezes. This process is repeated until it gets too big and heavy for the wind to carry it back up to the cloud. Then it falls to the ground as hail.

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