Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Blowing and drifting snow will make travel difficult if not impossible; wind chills expected to dip to 25 below zero
Rachel Slaughter gathers her shovels while her daughter Freya helps finish clearing snow after more than an hour of shoveling so they can get their vehicle (left) onto their driveway.
By Bryan Hellios
Ironwood - The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning on Thursday morning continued into tonight until 6.p.m.
According to the warning, accumulations of 2 to 7 inches are expected late Thursday night through today with winds gusting as high as 40 mph resulting in blowing snow and sharply reduced visibilities.
Travel could be very difficult, if not impossible during the heavier snow. The hazardous conditions will impact commutes today with cold wind chills as low as 25 degrees below zero which could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 20 minutes.
Area schools closed at noon Thursday and after-school events were postponed.
Saturday is projected to be partly sunny and highs are expected to reach near 12 with a Southwest wind speed around 5 mph. nighttime temps forecasted to dip to minus 2 with mostly cloudy skies.
Temperatures for Sunday are predicted to hit a high near 14 with partly sunny skies and nighttime low predicted to drop to 1 below zero.
Monday highs are expected to reach 19 degrees.
The Gogebic County Highway Commission's website offers the following safe winter driving tips:
-Stop thinking that your four-wheel drive is invulnerable.
-Do not attempt to pass a plow truck.
-Allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
-You owe your car a new set of shoes - get new tires or snow tires before the winter arrives.
-SLOW down and be alert for other vehicles around you.
-Don't follow too closely, allow extra space between you and other vehicles.
-Look ahead for stoplights and other road signs.
-Don't slam on the brakes.
-Have a winter emergency kit ready inside your car.
-Always wear your safety belt and ensure others in your vehicle are properly restrained.
-During inclement weather, do not drive if it is not necessary. If you do have to go out, make sure to let others know your route of travel and expected arrival time.
-Please be sure your vehicle is brushed off and clean of snow.
-Turn your lights ON during inclement weather.
