Winter Storm Warning Issued for Hardeman and surrounding counties: What you need to know
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Lauderdale, Tipton, Haywood, Chester, Shelby, Fayette, Hardeman, McNairy and Hardin counties from 6 a.m. Friday until 9 p.m. Friday night.
A Winter Storm Warning(WSW) is issued by the National Weather Service of the United States when a winter storm is currently occurring or about to occur in the area, normally within 36 hours.
Snow flurries and ice pellets were reported in the northern sections of the Mid-South on Thursday night and began covering the highways. Officials warn motorists traveling the recently fallen snow Thursday night and Friday morning could be an extreme road hazard since it covers underlying ice on the roadways. Motorists are encouraged to used extreme caution or stay home when traveling since the ice will not always be visible due to the snow.
The Mid-South is expected to receive two to three inches of winter weather for the duration of this entire events. However, Saturday is expected to bring temperatures above freezing, reaching as high as in the 50’s, which officials caution could present flooding issues in much of West Tennessee when the ice and snow begins to melt.
Winter Emergency Kit for your Vehicle –
As the new wave of winter weather hits the area, officials are encouraging everyone who will be traveling in the weather to ensure they have a winter weather emergency kit in their vehicle.
Motorists should ensure their vehicle is full of gasoline in the event you run off the road and become stranded in your vehicle. In addition, be sure to have a tune up to ensure the vehicle is running properly in the event you need to remain in the vehicle and have it operational while waiting on assistance to arrive.
Staying warm and staying well hydrated are the two most important things when being stranded in the winter. Make sure you have small water containers, as opposed to a large water jug in your trunk, because smaller water containers take less time to thaw out in your vehicle when you become stranded.
A sleeping bag, extra blankets, winter boots and additional clothing are essential to have in your vehicle to stay warm in the event you break down. The clothes do not need to be your best outfits or anything fancy, they just need to be able to keep you warm. Make sure you have hats, scarves, gloves as well.
In addition, you need to have an operational flashlight and snacks (such as granola bars) in your vehicle.
Although this does not contain a complete list of items you may need in your vehicle in the event of a winter emergency, it contains the most crucial that will keep you alive while waiting on assistance.
The greatest precaution, as always, to take during winter weather is to remain indoors when at all possible and avoid traveling on icy and snow covered highways.