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A winter weather advisory remains in effect until noon Friday, February 20, across parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey as mixed precipitation continues to create hazardous travel conditions during the morning commute.
The National Weather Service issued an updated advisory at 12:53 a.m. Friday for Carbon and Monroe counties in Pennsylvania and Sussex County in New Jersey. The affected areas include the cities of Jim Thorpe, Newton, and Stroudsburg.
Residents can expect additional snow accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations around two tenths of an inch. Road conditions are expected to remain slippery throughout the morning, potentially impacting the Friday commute.
Officials are urging drivers to slow down and exercise caution while traveling. Motorists can obtain the latest road conditions by calling 511.
The weather service warns drivers to be particularly alert for ice accumulating on power lines and tree branches, which may break and fall. According to safety guidelines, if possible, residents should avoid driving in these conditions altogether.
Winter weather-related vehicle accidents claim over 6,000 lives and cause more than 480,000 injuries annually across the United States. In temperatures near freezing, drivers should assume icy patches exist on roadways and adjust their driving accordingly.
The National Weather Service recommends drivers prepare their vehicles with essential winter supplies, including a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food. Travelers should also inform family or friends of their destination, planned route, and estimated arrival time when venturing out in hazardous conditions.
If drivers become stranded, officials advise staying composed, notifying someone about the situation and location, and avoiding attempts to walk to safety. Motorists should attach a cloth to their car's antenna or mirror to signal for help and use the dome light and flashers to make the vehicle more visible.
Drivers should also watch for snow plows and allow them ample room to pass, only overtaking when they have a clear view of the road ahead. Anyone encountering a downed power line should never touch it and should immediately dial 911.
The winter weather advisory is scheduled to expire at noon Friday, with conditions expected to improve throughout the afternoon.