Rough weather expected for weekend

From Staff Reports

Suffolk News-Herald

Citing worries about the weather forecast, Suffolk officials announced Thursday evening that they were canceling the Holiday Parade that had been scheduled for Saturday.

“With a forecast of cold rain and snow, there was great concern for the safety and well-being of parade participants, many of which are children,” Suffolk spokeswoman Debbie George stated in a press release.

Other events planned as part of Saturday’s city holiday celebration will go on as scheduled, George added.

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will be at the center of those events, with holiday music and choirs throughout the building from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., a gift shop with special discounts from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., a special exhibit titled “It is a Wonderful Life” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., holiday-themed arts and crafts for all ages from noon to 1 p.m. and a screening of the movie “Prancer” at 1 p.m.

According to George, all of the scheduled participants of the parade will have their entry fees returned.

The National Weather Service predicts rain will begin late Friday night and continue into Saturday. The high temperature on Saturday is predicted to be 44, with a wind between 10 and 14 miles per hour. Up to three-quarters of an inch of precipitation could fall through Saturday night, possibly mixing with snow around 1 a.m.

Farther north, however, snow is more likely, according to AccuWeather.com. A winter storm is expected to spread snow throughout the Appalachians and into New England, possibly affecting traffic on Interstates 64 (western portion), 66, 70, 81 and 95.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles on Thursday urged motorists to be especially careful when driving during winter weather.

“During poor weather conditions and anytime, remember to always fasten your safety belt and avoid all distractions,” said John Saunders, director of DMV’s Virginia Highway Safety Office.

Follow these tips when driving during winter weather conditions:

Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle, including the roof, before driving.

Decrease your speed and increase your following distance.

Turn on your lights, and make sure they are clear of snow and ice.

Do not use cruise control or overdrive.

Do not pass snowplows or sanding trucks.

Allow for extra traveling time.

Stay in the right lane except when passing.

Steer with smooth and precise movements to prevent skidding.

Remember to yield the right-of-way or reduce speed when approaching stationary emergency vehicles on roadways