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keyjan t1_j19blpr wrote

by Sunday morning, every road with any ice on it will have been treated. Just drive carefully.

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clairdelynn t1_j19esst wrote

Isn't the rain stopping Friday? I plan to drive Saturday - am I in for trouble?

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toodle-loo-who t1_j1a58r4 wrote

It looks like temps will drop below freezing tomorrow around noon and won’t get back up above freezing until Tuesday.

Between traffic and salt, some ice may melt especially on freeways and such, but I would be cautious as there will likely still be ice in some places.

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clairdelynn t1_j1a62n3 wrote

Yeah, I think you're right. I may wait and leave after sun-up to better avoid black ice and will mostly be on major highways. Only about two miles between me and 495, but I def need to exercise extreme caution until I get there.

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keyjan t1_j19i7fk wrote

everything will stay wet (and then frozen) for a while.

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madmoneymcgee t1_j19gbws wrote

  1. It's most dangerous when its actively snowing (or sleeting or whatever). That probably won't be the case on Christmas day. This is because its hard to do anything but maintenance plowing/salting until it actually stops.
  2. Stuff can refreeze overnight but that's why they put the salt on the roads to lower water's freezing point even further. But still worth it to be careful. If you notice icy spots on the walk to the car that'll be a good sign of what to expect.
  3. Even then, the key to ice and snow is to go *slow* and give yourself lots of distance. Some crashes are unavoidable in these conditions but a few days after the last snow drop? That's just from bad driving generally even if slippery ice is a factor.
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RandomLogicThough t1_j19u9gx wrote

Friday will be worst, everything should be stable by Christmas

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cardamom_peonies t1_j1a7vtw wrote

Okay so, super fun tip from a Midwesterner:

Black ice isn't actually a thing. It's literally just ice you didn't see plus people generally driving way too fast for current weather conditions. The roads likely will be treated at that point but still use your brain and drive carefully, don't slam on the brakes and be mindful that bridges and other higher elevation spots freeze first and often.

If it's dry by the time you drive, you're probably good since the salt will stick and do it's job on treated roads.

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HockeyMusings t1_j197qrr wrote

Just put your hazards on at 20 mph and you’ll blend right in.

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fvb955cd t1_j19h86y wrote

Even if it's just a mild, unfrozen rain. Make sure you're in the leftmost lane, that's the safest place.

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SSSS_car_go t1_j1b08cj wrote

If the forecasts are accurate temps won’t get above freezing Saturday or Sunday:

  • Sat 24 — High 22°/Low 13°, Mostly Sunny, W 14 mph

  • Sun 25 — High 28°/Low 15°, Sunny, W 12 mph

If so, it could be slippery out even with the sun. If you’re not used to driving in winter, you might be better off using a bus (professional driver is the key) or the train.

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PrestigiousEbb4608 t1_j1c4twm wrote

Generally it’s fine to drive in any winter weather except for ice and freezing rain. Avoid that at all costs.

If it’s just snowy and slushy, then drive slow, don’t accelerate or brake hard on a turn.

Midwest rule of thumb… Drive like your grandma is in the passenger seat with a crock pot full of chili in her lap. You don’t want her to spill it so no sudden movements.

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