Icy roads in the present and on the horizon

There were two rollover accidents, numerous spinouts and a couple of fender benders in Washoe Valley on Highway 395 during the Friday night commute due to the icy roads, said Trooper Chuck Allen.

Troopers responded to a property injury accident at Bellevue Road and Highway 395 at 4:12 p.m. and another at 5:20 p.m.

Allen said there were no reported injuries.

The National Weather Service in Reno issued a winter storm warning for heavy snow from 1 p.m. today to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Snow will increase late this morning and become widespread increasing to moderate late this afternoon with the heaviest snowfall this evening.

Total snow accumulations are estimated at up to 6 inches in the valleys with 6 to 10 inches above 5,000 feet by early Sunday morning.

Snow will create slick roads and very hazardous driving conditions. Visibility will be reduced to half a mile or less in snow.

With temperatures below the freezing mark, Allen offers a few safety reminders:

• Be sure you check that your wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield.

• Be certain that your windshield washer fluid is rated for extremely cold temperatures (some washer fluids are rated for 32 F while others are for -20 F).

• Be certain that the anti-freeze in your radiator will handle extremely cold temperatures.

• Carry gloves, hat, extra coat or coveralls, cell phone and charger, shovel, snow brush-ice scraper, snacks, water, first aid kit-just to name a few items.

• f you become stranded on a highway or want to report a stranded motorist or other highway emergency, dial *NHP.

• Always buckle up for safety.

• Be on alert for responding emergency vehicles and for tow truck personnel assisting motorists.

• If involved in a spin-out, always try and move your vehicle out of the travel lane to avoid being hit by another motorist.