Be prepared

Be prepared

Items to have in case of a power outage during the winter storm watch:

- Flashlights and extra batteries

- Battery-operated radio

- Candles, lanterns and matches

- An alternate source of heat

- Extra blankets and sleeping bags

- First aid kit

- Water

Tips for driving in winter weather

- Don't venture out until road crews have had a chance to clear the roads

- Slow down

- Maintain a constant speed

- Triple the distance between vehicles

- Steer in the direction of the skid if your vehicle starts skidding

-Sources Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and AAA Mid-Atlantic

Culpeper County could be in for a slick Saturday.

The entire region is under a winter storm watch from 10 a.m. Saturday until Sunday afternoon.

According to Steve Zubrick of the Baltimore/Washington office of the National Weather Service, a watch means the possibility exists for a significant amount of snow, sleet or freezing rain. A significant amount equals more than four inches of snow or more than a quarter-inch of ice over a 12-hour period.

"I think the system should be a limited duration," Zubrick said. "There should be some winter precipitation Saturday afternoon, but the bulk should be by Saturday evening. By morning Sunday, it should be shutting down with just some snow showers."

According to Lou Hatter, spokesman for the Culpeper District of the Virginia Department of Transportation, VDOT is prepared to deal with whatever Mother Nature throws its way.

Trucks and crews will be on call beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday. Hatter said VDOT will treat the roads with a combination of sand and salt for the freezing rain and sleet, then will plow when snow begins to accumulate.

"The goal is to keep the precipitation from binding to the road service," Hatter said. "We're planning on being out there as long as it takes."

Overnight Saturday, Zubrick said, Culpeper will probably see a combination of snow, sleet and freezing rain with some additional accumulation.

After the precipitation passes Sunday morning, the area should brace for winds from the northwest topping out at 40 mph.

Hatter said VDOT is prepared for that as well, equipping trucks with chainsaws to handle any downed trees or power lines.

"With the ice," Hatter said, "it could make it even worse."

Jeff Say can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 115 or at .