SEVERE WEATHER TO HIT MOST OF COUNTRY

The massive storm slamming the eastern half of the US is only one piece in a very active weather pattern. Multiple weather hazards impacted the country Friday morning, so the National Weather Service has issued some kind of weather alert for every state. Everything from blizzard warnings to tornado warnings were in effect early Friday as the massive storm worked its way across the eastern half of the US. Wind alerts stretch nearly 2,000 miles from Texas to New England, while flood alerts span from the mid-Atlantic to Northeast. Another robust storm in the Northwest is bringing snow and wind and temperature alerts dot several states as brutally cold air starts to seep south out of Canada. 

Severe thunderstorms have already produced hail and gusty winds across parts of the South on Friday as the line continues marching east across the region. On the storm system’s northern end, heavy snow and gusty winds will lead to problems along the Interstate 80 corridor in the Midwest, while severe storms will be centered along the Gulf Coast and I-95 in the Southeast. The first round of severe storms could form Thursday along the Gulf Coast with the greatest potential on Friday for damaging winds and tornadoes.

DRIVING IN SEVERE WEATHER

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) cautions that it’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick road. Increase your following distance so you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you. Also remember that every vehicle handles differently; this is particularly true when driving on wet roads. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick road. 

People often underestimate the power of rushing water. It only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, and just two feet of rushing water can carry away most trucks and SUVs. The CDC reports the most common type of flood-related drowning occurs when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. When you see the road is flooded, or if there are barriers blocking the road, turn around. Turn around, don’t drown.  

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN SEVERE WEATHER

1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
8. Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.

Mother Nature has packed quite a punch into only 13 days of 2024. The country is experiencing its second major winter storm system, and if this one is anything like the previous storm, it will cause widespread chaos. It is important to be aware and prepared, following the safety tips above and even postponing travel if possible.  

If travel is a necessity, and if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle or a pedestrian, contact Dave Thomas at The Thomas Law Firm for a free evaluation of your legal rights. Mr. Thomas is an experienced accident attorney, specializing in personal injury lawsuits. Mr. Thomas will aggressively pursue your right to recover damages such as medical costs, lost wages, and reimbursement for pain and suffering.