Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – With a winter weather advisory in effect for Craighead County and greater Northeast Arkansas until Tuesday at 6 a.m., the National Weather Service in Memphis provided some winter weather safety tips.
The NWS predicted mixed precipitation, with total snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch. A “light glaze” of ice less than 1/10 of an inch is also forecasted.
In Jonesboro, the NWS predicted rain showers and sleet before 10 p.m. on Monday, with snow showers to start anywhere between 10 p.m. and midnight. The chance of precipitation is 60%, and little or no snow and sleet accumulation is expected.
“Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving,” the NWS said. “If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.”
The NWS added that it expected the winter weather to be a “small-scale event with little to minor impacts.”
The NWS also provided some winter weather safety tips on social media ahead of the weather.
To check road conditions, call 511 or visit iDriveArkansas.com. The NWS recommended packing an emergency supply kit to keep in one’s vehicle, which should include the following:
- Mobile phone and charger
- Batteries
- Blankets
- Flashlights
- Nonperishable food
- Candle for melting snow to use for drinking water
- Sack of sand/cat litter to use for traction
- Shovels
- Scrapers
- Battery jumper cables
A vehicle’s battery, windshield wipers, tire pressures, and other systems affected by cold should be checked, and motorists should ensure their tires have good traction, the NWS said.
For those needing to drive in snowy or icy conditions, slow down and leave extra space between yourself and other vehicles. Do not drive distracted and always buckle up.
However, the NWS said, if hazardous weather is expected, change travel plans if at all possible and obtain a weather forecast before heading out.