Southborough Emergency Management shared the National Weather Services’ Weather Advisory. It looks like there is a potential for freezing rain that could last through morning rush hour.
NWS latest forecast states:
Spotty light freezing rain/freezing drizzle may result in icy roads later this evening and especially after midnight to the northwest of a Boston to Providence corridor. Spotty light freezing rain may persist Mon am and impact the morning commute.
A warning from SEMA earlier today advised that the icy conditions will be hazardous to pedestrians and commuters. The bottom line was that if you may want to prepare to avoid being on the roads until late morning if possible. Here is an excerpt from Lt. Neal Aspesi’s message:
While certainly not a blockbuster or even moderate, system, the timing could not be worse. Remember, freezing rain covered surfaces look identical to wet rain covered surfaces and surfaces can ice over almost instantly without warning. It all hinges on a temperature fluctuation of a degree or less (aloft or at the surface) and is also impacted by elevation.
The active hazards should dissipate between 10:00am and noon Monday. Hazards on treated surfaces will mitigate quickly. Hazards on non-treated surfaces may linger well into the afternoon.
Greatest Hazards:
Travel by foot:
- Countless muscle sprains and strains and broken bones occur as a result of freezing rain/ice covered surfaces, especially from that first fateful step out the door in the morning. Be careful, every step can be equally hazardous.
- Before taking a step, ensure the surface is safe.
- If you start to slip, go with it and try to control your fall to your side or knees. Avoid falling backwards to reduce the change hitting your head.
- Spread ice melt or sand.
Travel by vehicle:
- This is pretty clear cut, vehicles do not do well on ice!
- Road surface conditions can change quickly and frequently. You may not know the conditions until you try to stop.
- Drive slow, keep extra distance from others and make decisions/implement actions (ex. braking for a turn) early.
Recommendations:
- Delay travel until late morning/noon if possible
- Work remotely from home
- Advise neighbors, friends and family of the forecast and hazards (… even my wife was unaware…)
- Monitor forecast updates. We are all to well aware that the forecast will more than likely be adjusted before and/or during the event
