An updated report was issued at 4:55 p.m. Friday by the National Weather Service regarding snow showers through 8 p.m. for Cambria, Blair, Somerset and Bedford counties.

“Scattered snow showers are expected to continue this evening. Slippery and snowy roads are expected primarily west of Interstate 99, especially in locations above 2,000 feet elevation. Affected locations include the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Route 31, Route 219, and Route 56. Wind gusts up to 35 mph are also expected during this time. areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility, making travel dangerous. Use particular caution if you must travel through this area. “Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slippery roads could lead to accidents. Wind chills will drop to the single digits later tonight,” the weather service says.

Dealing with heavy rain: safety tips on wet roads

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to stay safe during heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

• Do not play in or around culverts or drainage ditches, as the fast-moving water that occurs during heavy rains can sweep you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

• Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow two extra seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and stay safe:

• If it’s raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed gradually decrease. Never use the brakes abruptly as this could cause the car to skid.

Choose your path wisely:

• Stay towards the middle lanes – water tends to collect in the outer lanes.

Visibility matters:

• Turn on your headlights.
• Pay attention to other vehicles behind you and in blind spots, as they are especially difficult to see through rain-splattered windows.

Be careful of slippery roads:

• Be very careful during the first half hour after the rain starts. Dirt and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

• Do not follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Also be careful when passing them; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen from a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. If the side of the road is your only option, move as far away as possible, preferably beyond the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.

When facing heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in keeping you safe on the road. Remember to stay informed of weather conditions and follow advice from local authorities for safe travel.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.