What To Expect Today, CBS Weather

FRIDAY TRAVEL ALERT A mix of mainly sleet and freezing rain will make for very slick conditions. The worst times for travel will be from roughly 3PM Friday until 8AM Saturday.

WEATHER WARN DAY:

Our latest round of wintry weather will arrive this afternoon after 1pm. We can expect a brief period of snow during the late afternoon that will change over to sleet and then freezing rain during the evening. A coating to 2 inches can be expected for much of the area with much of that falling as sleet. Up to 0.15" of an inch of freezing rain will accumulate on top of the snow and sleet. This will create very treacherous travel this evening into early tomorrow morning.

Your best bet will be to avoid travel this afternoon through this evening as the road conditions will rapidly deteriorate. Saturday morning will also likely be icy as we will start the day in the mid 20s before finally warming up into the mid 30s by Saturday afternoon. Due to the threat of dangerous travel, the CBS 21 First Warning Weather team has declared Friday a Weather Warn Day.

WEEKEND FORECAST:

It will be cloudy and cold on Saturday with highs in the mid 30s, Sunday will be cloudy with a few scattered showers later in the day and highs in the low 40s.

CBS 21 FIRST WARNING WEATHER FORECAST:

Today: Cloudy with a Wintry Mix Developing This Afternoon -High 32

Tonight: Cloudy with Sleet Changing to Freezing Rain, treacherous travel - Low 26

Saturday: Cloudy Skies - High 38

Sunday:Cloudy with Afternoon Showers - High 40

Monday: Cloudy with Morning Showers - High 54

- Meteorologist Steve Knight

❄️ How to Drive Safely in an Ice Storm

🚗 1. Slow Down—Way Down

Ice dramatically reduces traction. Federal safety regulators emphasize that slowing down is the single most important step because stopping and steering become much harder on slick surfaces.

↔️ 2. Increase Following Distance

Leave at least 5–6 seconds between you and the car ahead—more if possible. This gives you time to react if someone loses control.

🧊 3. Make Every Movement Gentle

Sudden braking, accelerating, or steering can cause a skid. Smooth, gradual inputs help maintain control.

🛞 4. Prepare Your Vehicle Before You Go

Experts recommend:

• Good tire tread
• Working wipers and defrosters
• Full washer fluid
• Clear windows and lights
• Full gas tank Sources emphasize that preparation is key to winter driving safety.

🧍‍♂️ 5. Avoid Passing Snowplows

Snowplows move slowly, make wide turns, and may throw snow or ice. Stay well behind them and never drive beside them.

🌀 6. Know How to Recover From a Skid

AccuWeather’s winter driving guidance stresses:

• If you skid, ease off the accelerator.
• Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
• Avoid slamming the brakes.

🌫️ 7. Expect Reduced Visibility

Ice storms often come with fog, freezing rain, or blowing snow. Keep headlights on and windows clear; visibility can drop to near zero.

🧰 8. Carry Emergency Supplies

OSHA and NWS recommend:

• Blanket, food, water
• Flashlight
• Shovel
• Abrasive material (sand or kitty litter)
• Phone charger These help if you get stuck or stranded.

🚨 9. If You Get Stuck or Stalled

Stay with your vehicle, conserve energy, and make your car visible. Overexertion in cold conditions can be dangerous.