Winter's Sneak Attack: Advisory Issued for Somerset County This Sunday

Well, folks, it looks like Mother Nature has a bit of a tricky forecast lined up for Somerset County this weekend. If you had plans for a leisurely Sunday drive or an outdoor stroll, you might want to rethink them. We’re officially under a Winter Weather Advisory, and frankly, it sounds like we could be in for some slippery conditions.

The National Weather Service has, in fact, issued this advisory, kicking off late Saturday night, around 10 p.m., and stretching straight through Sunday afternoon until 1 p.m. So, for a good chunk of Sunday, we're asked to be on alert. It's not a full-blown blizzard warning, but an advisory still means conditions could become genuinely hazardous.

What exactly are we looking at? Picture this: a light dusting of snow could arrive first, possibly accumulating up to an inch across the region. But here's the kicker – that snow is expected to transition into a period of freezing rain. And we all know what freezing rain means, don't we? It’s that nasty, invisible menace that coats everything in a slick, icy glaze. Temperatures are forecast to hover right around the freezing mark, in the low 30s, making this icy transition all the more likely.

This combination, unfortunately, creates a recipe for extremely slick and hazardous travel. Roads, sidewalks, and even untreated surfaces could become incredibly slippery, even with just a light accumulation. Imagine trying to stop your car on a thin layer of ice – it’s not pleasant. Driving could become quite difficult, so if you can avoid it, please do. If you absolutely must venture out, consider adjusting your travel plans or at least giving yourself plenty of extra time.

So, what's the takeaway? If you absolutely must be out and about on Sunday, please, please exercise extreme caution. Slow down, increase your following distance, and be extra aware of changing road conditions. It might be a good idea to check local road conditions before you leave, too. And for those staying cozy at home, perhaps this is the perfect excuse to brew some hot chocolate, curl up with a good book, and simply let winter do its thing from a safe, warm distance. Stay safe, Somerset County!