Winter Weather Travel Safety

Dalhart Weather Review

by Aaron Graves

Snowfall at Rita Blanca Lake covers the walking trail, right, and
the frozen lake shore, left, creating a peaceful scene.

Update: Since this article appeared in yesterday's "The County Times Two" newsletter, Dalhart has received more snow, a total of 1.3" according to storm reports sent to the NWS office in Amarillo. This is preliminary and we will talk more about it next week. In addition, our high temperature never surpassed 20 degrees, and overnight lows fell to around 4 degrees. Snow chances for this weekend have been removed from the forecast. Updates to the forecast are in italics below.)

Snow fell again overnight Monday into Tuesday morning, the latest winter weather bringing Dalhart at least 1" of the white stuff. Texline reported 2", as did Boise City. Stratford got 1", and Dumas received 2", as reported on the website of the National Weather Service.  

Snow chances continued Wednesday through this morning, as mentioned in the update above. Temperatures will soon begin to warm up, reaching the mid 40s on Friday, and the mid 50s on Saturday. We have another chance of snow on Monday, with high temperatures falling back into the low 30s. 

Last week, I extolled the value of not traveling during winter weather. Of course, travel is unavoidable at times. Our recent snow events have been gentle, with roads clearing quickly. However, it is always a good idea to review winter weather travel safety, especially if you plan to go where winter delivers more of a punch. Actually, it is a good idea if you travel anywhere during the winter months. Last week, northern Alabama and parts of Georgia were surprised as ice and a couple inches of snow snarled traffic on Interstates and other main highways. In some areas, drivers had to shelter overnight in their cars. 

If you plan on traveling, always check the weather and road conditions ahead of time, encourages the NWS in an article on their website. In addition, it is important to get your car winterized. Check your ignition system, cooling system, fuel system, battery, lights, tires, heater, brakes, wipers, defroster, oil, and exhaust.  

Avoid traveling alone, if possible. Make sure others know your travel route and timetable. Stay in touch with these people if you have to change your travel plans. Make sure to stop and top off your gas tank if the weather is looking bad. Carry supplies that could help you if you get stranded, such as a flashlight, windshield scraper, booster cables, and a car charger for you cell phone. To stay safe, also carry extra clothes, matches and candles, blankets, a compass, maps of your travel routes, paper towels, water, and high calorie non-perishable food.

If you end up stranded in a winter storm, remember - never leave your vehicle until help arrives. For heat, run your motor periodically to conserve fuel, about 10 minutes each hour. While you do so, crack the windows for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure to keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow when the engine is running. To stay warm, exercise periodically in your car by vigorously moving your arms, legs, toes and fingers. Tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or door to signal you need help. 

Hopefully, you will never have to deal with such a situation. However, as I wrote last week, never underestimate winter weather. Even a few inches of snow could lead to a situation you never anticipated.Please, exercise caution and be prepared if you have to travel during winter. 

Data for the high and low temperatures the past week was unavailable at the time of writing.

For local weather and wildlife photos, make sure to follow Aaron on Facebook at "Dalhart Cloud Chasing", or on Google+ at "Aaron Graves (Dalhart Cloud Chasing)".