NY weather: Weather alert for snow showers in New York Thursday morning

At 6:36 a.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a weather notice for Rensselaer, Columbia, Dutchess, and Washington counties, warning of snow showers through 7 a.m.

As per the meteorological service, “at 6:34 a.m., a heavy snow shower was near Housatonic, or 7 miles north of Great Barrington moving northeast at 55 MPH,”

Around 6:40 a.m., Pittsfield, Lee, and Lenox should expect snow showers.

“If you have to travel into or through this squall, exercise extra caution,” the weather agency advised. Accidents may result from abrupt changes in visibility and perhaps slick roads.

Rainy day rules: How to stay safe in heavy precipitation

Flooding and dangerous driving conditions increase when heavy rain starts. Being ready is crucial, regardless of the duration of the rainfall or the rate of runoff. The weather service has provided the following important safety advice to help you stay safe during periods of severe rain:

Watch out for swift water flow:

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  During heavy rain, avoid playing near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
  

Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:

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  The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
  

Reduce your speed and drive carefully:

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  On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
  

Pick your lane carefully:

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  Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
  

Visibility is important.

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  Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
  

Be cautious on slick roads:

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  The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
  

Stay a safe distance away from big cars:

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  Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
  

Be mindful of your wipers:

Visibility may be hampered by overloaded wiper blades. If the rain significantly impairs your vision, stop and wait for the weather to clear up. Seek cover in safe spaces or rest zones. Place your car as far off the road as you can when stopping by the side of the road, preferably beyond guardrails. To warn other drivers, turn on your emergency flashers and keep your headlights on.

You may greatly lower dangers and protect your health when it rains a lot by adhering to these safety precautions. To ensure a safe and sound voyage, keep yourself updated on weather conditions and follow local authorities’ instructions.

United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.

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