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Yep, that's snow. At 3:18 big flakes of snow were reported near the Michelin headquarters.
Wednesday’s forecast is cloudy with a mix of rain and snow showers developing in the afternoon with some sleet mixed in. The high temperature may reach 38 degrees, according to the national weather service.
Any precipitation could result in black ice overnight Wednesday and drivers are cautioned to be alert to conditions.
Timers on many neighborhood sprinklers have not been shut off and can create icy conditions on sidewalks and streets. Pedestrians and drivers should be aware of those conditions.
The Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) has issued some tips to keep you safe and warm in your home and in the car.
Prepare your home and family for a storm.
• Check your heating systems. Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean and properly ventilated.
• Stock up on items to be prepared for weather emergencies and power outages. Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and store water in clean containers.
• Keep medications, ID cards and emergency numbers located in one place.
• Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.
• Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including: battery-operated devices such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps, extra batteries; first-aid kit and extra medicine, baby items, and cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
• Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies. Install a CO detector to alert you to the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check batteries regularly. Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage. Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house. Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds, and call 911.
Bundle up before going outside.
• Wear appropriate outdoor clothing, layers of light, warm clothing, mittens, hats; scarves, and waterproof boots.
• Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches.
• Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation, and carry a cell phone.
Take it slow while driving on snow or ice.
• Winterize your car by servicing the radiator and checking the tires. Make sure to have a full tank of gas so your gas lines don’t freeze. Equip your car with blankets, food, cat litter for traction, maps, flashlights, first aid kits, water and warm weather clothing accessories.
• Don’t speed. Slow down for wet, snowy or icy conditions and avoid excessive or abrupt steering maneuvers. You will be more likely to maintain control of your vehicle at lower speeds. Black ice, a thin coating of clear ice on the pavement surface that may be difficult to see, especially at night so use caution.
• Follow at a safe distance. Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop.
• Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions, even if it’s four-wheel or front-wheel drive. Avoid traveling when the weather service has issued an advisory.
• Braking gently will help you avoid skidding. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have antilock brakes, gently pump the pedal to avoid wheel lock-up.
• Be aware of road conditions and be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roadways, which tend to freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
• Information courtesy of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and South Carolina Department of Public Safety.