Traffic updates: Several problems around noon in Gordon County. Regional reports.
NOON UPDATE
From Georgia DOT: Ga. 53 closed at the Pickens/Gordon county line because of a jackknifed truck.
Ice report on U.S. 41 southbound near Woodland Circle near Calhoun: Georgia DOT reports all lanes blocked at this time but clean-up is projected for 12:15 p.m. Saturday. Get the latest here.
Gordon County Sheriff Mitch Ralston reports as of 11 a.m. Saturday: “Overnight winter precipitation has resulted in some amounts of accumulation of ice/snow on roadways. Deputy sheriffs report roads as being passable. County Public Works crews worked throughout the night servicing the most impacted areas. Although winds have dried a significant amount of road surfaces, there remain patches of ice in shaded and/or low lying areas. Bridges and overpasses are always prone to icing in winter weather. Although the situation is better than forecasts initially predicted, Sheriff Ralston urges motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving until conditions return to normal. The sheriff said that motorists should be especially aware of the possibility of ‘black ice’, which can appear hidden on road surfaces.”
EARLIER REPORTS
From Floyd EMA Director Tim Herrington: I just wanted to enlist your assistance with informing the community about the possibility of potential Black Ice Conditions during the morning hours. If they have to get out and about in the early morning hours they need to be especially cautious on the roadways and bridges. Please remind them to slow down and take their time as slick road conditions will exist until the temperature rise above freezing.
POLK COUNTY
Just in from 911 in Polk County:Bridges in Polk County are iced over and the vidock on East Ave is closed at this time.
CHATTOOGA COUNTY
From Sheriff Mark Schrader: Roadways are in pretty good shape this morning. There are some slick spots on some of the back roads. Use caution while driving. Some roads on the Mountain are white and slick, but not impassable. Please pay attention and drive slow, black ice is possible in certain areas. Please drive slow and careful.
BLACK ICE INFORMATION (From Floyd EMA)
Here in North GA black ice can form when a light rain falls on pavement that’s colder than 32 degrees, or when roads are wet and the temperature plummets toward freezing.Black ice is almost invisible to the naked eye and is often mistake for a wet or newly paved road.
Black ice can form very quickly and is so camouflaged on the road. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) officials call it one of the deadliest of all winter driving hazards.
Here’s what to watch out for:
-Pavement that looks dark, wet or like new asphalt.
-Low-lying areas that may have standing water or run off from nearby melting snow banks or puddles.
-Bridges and Underpasses.
-Any road areas which are shaded from the sun.
-Any time the temperature is below 40 degrees F.
-Vehicles that have slid off the road under any of the above conditions.
Here are some things you can do:
-First of all understand that not all cars respond the same to icy, slippery roads. For that reason, knowing how to handle your vehicle and how it responds in various weather conditions is important. AAA recommends that motorists practice
slow-speed maneuvers on an empty snow or ice covered parking lot. You should also look through your owner’s manual and familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s braking system and other features.
-SLOW DOWN! - posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds is the best precautionary measure against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads. Allow more time to travel. Resist the temptation to drive
faster. Allow extra time not only for the reduced speeds, but for potential problems on the road.
-When the roads are wet or look wet, watch the vehicle in front of you. If it is not leaving tracks or its wheels are not “throwing” water, it is probably black ice and not just wet.
-Look well ahead to compensate for the greater distances required when driving on slippery surfaces, focus your attention as far ahead as possible-at least 20 to 30 seconds.
-Drive with your head lights on. This will turn on your tail lights and allow others to see you almost twice as far away. Being visible will give others time to avoid hitting you.
-Be especially leery when driving your car into shaded areas and slow your vehicle down when you encounter such areas.
-Avoid driving while fatigued.
-Maintain more space. Increase your margin of safety. Don’t tailgate! Maintain a minimum of 8 to 10 seconds in following distance.
-Anticipate problems. On slick surfaces, any abrupt maneuver will increase the probability of losing vehicle control. Skids can best be avoided by anticipating lane changes, turns and curves, slowing down in advance, and by making smooth, precise movements of the steering wheel.
-Do not use cruise control. Winter driving requires you to be in full control.
-Steer with smooth and precise movements. Changing lanes too quickly and jerky steering while braking or accelerating can cause skidding.
Black ice is a very serious hazard that you should be constantly aware of this time of year. Watch out for it and be cautious.
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