DeFuniak Springs Police issues county warning about slick, icy conditions

DeFuniak Springs Chief Weeks would like the citizens and anyone in the city of DeFuniak Springs to please be careful while driving. The Weather Service Meteorologists’ predict snow will begin falling early tonight from I-10 northward to the Alabama Stateline. One to two inches is anticipated in the Northern half of Walton County. Heavier amounts are also expected across northern portions of Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.

With subfreezing low temperatures, lingering moisture on roads and overpasses could refreeze maintaining slick spots and make for hazardous driving conditions like black ice, particularly bad on less traveled roads, bridges, and overpasses. Areas in the city limits than could be a concern are the intersection at Walton Road and Highway 83 North and U.S. Highway 331 South between Live Oak Avenue and U.S. Highway 90.  Click here for National Weather Service forecast

Black Ice Safety
Black ice forms when the air temperature is warmer than pavement, which causes moisture to rapidly freeze and create a thin, transparent layer of ice on the roadway. It can be one of the most dangerous conditions on roads as it is invisible and can catch drivers off guard and at full speed, resulting in loss of vehicle control. Drivers can increase safety by observing the following tips:
Be aware that black ice is almost invisible.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and tunnels and in early morning when
the air temperature is rising faster than the pavement temperature.
Never brake while driving on ice. Applying pressure to your brakes while on ice will
cause a vehicle to skid. Brake only during your approach.
Keep your distance. The distance needed to stop on ice is twice as long as under
normal driving circumstances. Keep at least a three-car distance from the vehicle
directly in front of you.