The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a winter storm warning for Cherokee County. The warning has been issued due to a likelihood of freezing rain. Precipitation in the form of light rain mixed with sleet will move into Cherokee County this afternoon. Surface temperatures will be above freezing, so no travel problems are expected before sunset. However, temperatures will fall this evening as the rain falls into dry air at the surface. This will cause temperatures to fall to freezing around midnight. Temperatures will likely be near or just below freezing around midnight. Temperatures will likely be near or just below freezing until late Saturday morning meaning any rain that falls will freeze on impact. Ice accumulations of one-quarter to one-half inch are possible before the freezing rain ends Saturday morning. Most of the significant ice accumulations will be on elevated surfaces such as trees, power lines and over-passes. Any accumulation of ice on roadways, bridges and overpasses will make travel treacherous. Emergency services and the Cherokee County Highway Department are prepared to render aid to citizens if needed.

To help residents of the county prepare for possible bad weather, the county EMA office offers the following tips:

DURING A WINTER STORM

Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your house cooler than normal. Temporarily shut off heat to less-used rooms.

If using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Keep heaters at least three feet from flammable objects. Refuel kerosene heaters outside.

Avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, do so during daylight. Don’t travel alone. Stay on main roads and keep others informed of your schedule/

If you go outside for any reason, dress for the season and expected conditions:

For cold weather, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air. Wear footwear appropriate to icy conditions. Textured soles that provide traction are better than smoother soles which could cause you to slip and fall.

Make sure that elderly family members and neighbors are prepared.

Ensure that any outdoor pets or livestock have adequate shelter, food and water.

AFTER THE STORM

Report downed power lines and broken gas lines immediately.

After an ice storm, check to see that no physical damage has occurred and that water pipes are functioning. If there are no other problems, wait for streets and roads to be opened before you attempt to drive anywhere.

Check on neighbors, especially any who might need help.

Beware of overexertion and exhaustion. Set your priorities and pace yourself after any disaster that leaves you with a mess to clean up. The natural tendency is to do too much too soon.

It is highly recommended that citizens do not attempt to drive until road conditions have improved. The major cause of winter storm fatalities is traffic accidents.

TIPS FOR HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL WINTER DRIVING

-1. Allow extra time to reach your destination when driving on slick icy roads. Slow down and avoid making sudden moves-no fast turns, no quick acceleration and no hard breaking.

-2. Bridges and overpasses freeze before road surfaces. Freezing air circulating above and below the bridge causes ice to form more rapidly than on a surface that has freezing air above and warmer ground below.

-3. Allow additional stopping distance on any road that is not dry.

-4. Visibility is an important factor for safe driving during a winter storm. Keep your lights on and clear the windshield of accumulations of ice if necessary.

-5. Know what to do if you skid on ice or get stuck in snow. Counter steer to regain control in a skid. Steer the car in the same direction that the rear wheels are sliding. If the rear wheels slide to the right, turn the front wheels right and vice versa. Do not spin your wheels when stuck on ice or in snow. Instead, remove snow from the area around the tire, if necessary, and spread sand or salt under the drive wheel to regain traction.

-6. Safe winter driving can be achieved by using plain common sense. However, there are occasions when the best driving decision is to not drive. If you are uneasy about your ability to drive on slick winter roads, or your cars ability to handle them, stay home