Season’s First Winter Storm Packs a Whallop

 The first winter storm of the season cut into the weekend for snow plow drivers. Starke County Highway Department crews hit the roads at 4 a.m. Sunday and spent the better part of the day plowing as snow continued to fall.

Storm total accumulations of between 6 and 10 inches are expected. Roads will be snow covered and slick, even after the snow lets up. If you have to be out, allow ample time to reach your destination. Remember, ice and snow, take it slow.

Leave plenty of distance between vehicles, reduce your speed and allow extra time to stop. Avoid slamming on your brakes, as doing so can make your vehicle spin out. Instead, apply brakes slowly. Should you start to slide, take your foot off the brake and steer into the direction your car is spinning.

Before you go, make sure you have ample weight in the back of your vehicle and pack some emergency items like a flashlight, blankets bottled water and food. Also, make sure your cell phone is charged in case you need to call for help. Top off your gas tank so you can stay warm in case of an extended response time.

Several area schools have delayed the start of classes. Find a complete list on our closings and delays page.

Today’s high temperature will hover just below freezing, with a wind chill in the high teens. That’s as warm as we’re going to get for the week, but there’s no additional snow in the forecast until Friday.