POINT PLEASANT — The slightly warmer weather of last week has disappeared as snow has once again made its presence known in the Mason County.

Residents woke up Tuesday morning to a thick blanket of snow and colder temperatures. The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a flood warning for the Ohio River that is in effect through Friday or until it is canceled.

NWS reported Tuesday that local residents can expect flooding to occur along the Ohio River and all of its tributaries through Friday. The river is expected to crest at 42.5 feet by Thursday morning before falling below flood stage on Friday.

According to NWS, today’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a high of 42 degrees. However, a 50 percent chance of snow is expected for this evening.

Snow predictions continue through the rest of the week. Thursday’s forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of rain and snow with a slight chance of snow in the evening. A 50 percent chance of snow with temperatures at a high of 27 degrees and low of 16 degrees is expected for Friday. The weekend also looks to be snowy as Saturday’s forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of snow showers.

Aside from the occasional school closings and power outages, winter weather brings hazardous driving conditions. To stay safe in winter weather, the Weather Channel recommends the following safety tips:

• On icy roads decrease speed and leave plenty of room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between yours and the vehicle in front of you.

• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off of the brake.

• Turn on lights to increase visibility to other motorists and keep lights and windshield clean.

• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.

• Do not use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

• Exercise caution on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways, such as bridges.

• Do not pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility.

• Do not assume that your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

• If your rear wheels skid: take your food off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go — if your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left.

• If your front wheels skid: take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch and accelerate gently.

For more winter driving tips, visit www.weather.com.