Officials urge residents to stay safe during winter storm
The first major snow storm of the year hits Chenango County with an estimated 12 inches of snow to accumulate by Monday night. Residents are urged to take extra precautions when attempting to travel. (Photo by Catherine Sasso)
CHENANGO COUNTY - Representatives of the Chenango County Emergency Operations Center and City of Norwich Fire Department are urging area residents to take extra precautions when attempting to travel throughout the county as the area is on track to receive over a foot of snow by Monday night.
At the time of print, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office reported that all roads throughout the county are still open. Meanwhile, all school districts throughout the county are closed.
According to Chenango County Emergency Operations Center Manager A Wesley Jones, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Chenango County through midnight tonight with a widespread 8 to 12 inches estimated in precipitation. Jones said other areas of the county may see more snow.
“This is the first significant snow storm of the year,” said Jones. “The main part of the storm, with significant accumulation, began during the overnight hours and will continue through the day Monday.”
“Snow today will be heavy at times, and travel conditions will become especially dangerous.”
City of Norwich Fire Department Chief Jan Papelino said anyone who can stay off of the roads should, and those who do have to travel should drive slowly and carefully to their destinations.
Papelino said the key to staying safe in harsh weather is to drive safely and make sure your vehicle is prepared for the snow.
"Make sure your windshields and mirrors are completely clear of snow and slow down," said Papelino.
He said driving slowly allows drivers more time to correct and avoid making mistakes, and he added that many people who get into accidents fail to realize that it was caused by excessive speed for the road conditions.
"Besides driving slowly and having a clear windshield, people need to make sure their tires are in good shape," he said.
Papelino said having bald tires on a vehicle may make navigating through snow, slush, or ice difficult even for drivers who have a lot of experience on the road.
"A lot of it is, people get caught up in the slush on the road, and that mixed with driving a little too fast can make them lose control," said Papelino. "Drivers need to be attentive to their driving, don't answer phone calls or texts, especially when you're driving in poor conditions," he said. “Another thing is you’re supposed to completely clean your vehicle of snow now.”
He added that from time to time he still sees people driving around with “just a peephole in the snow” open on their windshields, even with unfavorable road conditions.
“Take the extra 10 seconds to clear the rest of the windshield off, and it might save your life,” said Papelino.
According to the City of Norwich Police Department, there is currently a winter parking ban requiring all vehicles to be off public streets every day between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.
"This ordinance makes it possible for Department of Public Works crews to remove snow from streets and plow at times of little traffic, and this ban will remain in effect until April 15, 2019," said the department. "Also, during times of a declared snow emergency this on-street parking ban may be implemented at any hour of the day to facilitate the removal of snow, curb-to-curb.”
At the time of print, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office reported that all roads throughout the county are still open. Meanwhile, all school districts throughout the county are closed.
According to Chenango County Emergency Operations Center Manager A Wesley Jones, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Chenango County through midnight tonight with a widespread 8 to 12 inches estimated in precipitation. Jones said other areas of the county may see more snow.
“This is the first significant snow storm of the year,” said Jones. “The main part of the storm, with significant accumulation, began during the overnight hours and will continue through the day Monday.”
“Snow today will be heavy at times, and travel conditions will become especially dangerous.”
City of Norwich Fire Department Chief Jan Papelino said anyone who can stay off of the roads should, and those who do have to travel should drive slowly and carefully to their destinations.
Papelino said the key to staying safe in harsh weather is to drive safely and make sure your vehicle is prepared for the snow.
"Make sure your windshields and mirrors are completely clear of snow and slow down," said Papelino.
He said driving slowly allows drivers more time to correct and avoid making mistakes, and he added that many people who get into accidents fail to realize that it was caused by excessive speed for the road conditions.
"Besides driving slowly and having a clear windshield, people need to make sure their tires are in good shape," he said.
Papelino said having bald tires on a vehicle may make navigating through snow, slush, or ice difficult even for drivers who have a lot of experience on the road.
"A lot of it is, people get caught up in the slush on the road, and that mixed with driving a little too fast can make them lose control," said Papelino. "Drivers need to be attentive to their driving, don't answer phone calls or texts, especially when you're driving in poor conditions," he said. “Another thing is you’re supposed to completely clean your vehicle of snow now.”
He added that from time to time he still sees people driving around with “just a peephole in the snow” open on their windshields, even with unfavorable road conditions.
“Take the extra 10 seconds to clear the rest of the windshield off, and it might save your life,” said Papelino.
According to the City of Norwich Police Department, there is currently a winter parking ban requiring all vehicles to be off public streets every day between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.
"This ordinance makes it possible for Department of Public Works crews to remove snow from streets and plow at times of little traffic, and this ban will remain in effect until April 15, 2019," said the department. "Also, during times of a declared snow emergency this on-street parking ban may be implemented at any hour of the day to facilitate the removal of snow, curb-to-curb.”
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