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Editorial
Don't let winter weather take you by surprise this year
Friday, December 2, 2016
Technically, it's nearly three weeks until winter arrives, but we've already found our heavy coats now that "meteorological" winter arrived with Dec. 1.
Cold winds can be dangerous out here on the Plains, but they're nothing like conditions thousands of feet above our heads, where jet streams can bring in snow, ice and whiteout conditions at 200 mph.
A cold front is expected to roll through early next week, but it's anybody's guess when significant amounts of snow arrive.
We made it through the Thanksgiving travel season safely, but Christmas can often be a dangerous time to drive.
About a quarter of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement, and 15 percent during snowfall or sleet.
More than 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 are injured in such conditions every year, according to the Department of Transportation.
But drivers have more tools than ever to make sure their trip is safe.
NOAA Weather Radio and commercial radio are traditional sources of travel advisories, and should always be consulted.
Smartphones have opened up many new opportunities to be informed, and the 511 system is designed to make your travels safe. Visit http://mb.511.nebraska.gov/ne3g/ on your cell phone for links to information and an app, and similar information is available in other states.
Check the radar along your route to see whether it might be wise to stay home or find a motel until the storm blows over. Visit mobile.weather.gov and bookmark it on your phone to easily find weather information.
Of course, don't check your phone while driving; let a passenger do that or pull over in a safe spot.
There's time to get your car in for service to make sure tires, belts and hoses are in good shape and the cooling system is full of fresh antifreeze at the correct level.
Don't fill your car with unnecessary clutter, but take a winter emergency kit with basic weather tools and safety equipment.
The first winter storm shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who has spent time in Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas, but we all can use a friendly reminder as the calendar nears the end of 2016.