Winter weather advisory in place for Eastern Santa Clara Hills until early Wednesday evening

On Tuesday at 8:38 p.m. the National Weather Service released a winter weather advisory in effect until Wednesday Feb. 18, at 4 p.m. for Eastern Santa Clara Hills.

“Accumulating snow for elevations above 3000 feet. Elevations below 3000 feet will see no accumulating snow to a dusting. Above 3000 feet total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches,” can be anticipated according to the NWS San Francisco CA. “Wind gusts 25 to 40 mph above 2000 feet. The combination of wind and snow will reduce visibilities.”

“Slick, snow-covered roads, like Hwy 130, and hiking trails. Hikers, outdoor enthusiasts may encounter dangerous winter conditions above the snow level. Heavier snow showers could produce limited visibilities. Downed trees and power outages possible,” according to the NWS.

Winter weather driving safety: Navigating the chill with expert tips from the NWS

Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter driving tips from the NWS:

Share your travel plans:

When traveling out of town in hazardous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.

Prepare your vehicle:

Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies such as a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.

Stay calm when stranded:

If you become stranded, stay composed. Notify someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Attach a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal that you require assistance. Make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers.

Be mindful of snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snow plows and provide them with ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check road conditions:

Before embarking on your journey, verify the current road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the NWS, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.

For more weather alerts in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories