Heads up, Del Norte residents—winter weather is making an entrance this week! The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory starting Thursday afternoon and lasting until Friday morning. Expect up to 3 inches of snow in lower areas and up to 6 inches in the mountains. If you’ve got travel plans, it’s time to rethink them.
When and Where to Expect the Snow
The snow is expected to start around 4 PM Thursday and keep falling through the night, wrapping up by 10 AM Friday. Higher elevations above 2,500 feet will see the heaviest snowfall, but even lower areas could get enough to cause slippery roads and tricky conditions.
What’s the big concern?
Driving could be a nightmare. Roads, especially bridges and mountain passes, will be slick with snow and ice. Visibility could drop quickly as wind picks up and snow starts blowing around. Be careful—those “just a dusting” moments can turn into “why am I sliding?” real fast.
Another issue? The weight of heavy snow on trees could snap branches, which may knock down power lines. With gusty winds in the mix, scattered power outages are a real possibility.
Travel and Safety Tips
If you don’t need to be on the road, stay home and enjoy a cozy evening inside. But if you have to travel, here’s what you should do:
- Keep a flashlight, snacks, and water in your car—just in case.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged (and bring a charger if you can).
- Slow down, leave plenty of space between cars, and take it easy on hills and turns.
What You Can Do to Prepare
Now’s the time to stock up on essentials. Grab some groceries, check that your flashlights have working batteries, and make sure you have blankets handy in case of a power outage. If you rely on medical devices that need power, double-check your backup plan.
Stay connected with local news and weather updates in case things change. It’s better to be overprepared than caught off guard.
Better Weather Ahead
After Friday morning, things should calm down, but be cautious on the roads. Icy spots may stick around, especially in shaded areas. Let road crews do their job, and drive carefully if you head out.
Stay warm, stay safe, and maybe use this as an excuse for a cozy movie night at home!