How short a time can it take for a peaceful winter morning transform into a life-threatening situation as a result of a blizzard? It appears that it is no longer a question, but a reality that most of the USA is experiencing as a result of a high amount of snowfall resulting from an intense winter storm system. The NWS has issued a warning concerning the high snowfall likely to accrue as a result of the intense weather.
1. Widespread Winter Storm Warnings
Winter Storm Warnings range from the Sierra Nevada in the state of California, through the snow-capped mountain peaks in the states of Wyoming and Colorado, and from the snow-capped mountain peaks in the state of Idaho, through the streets of New York City. According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm warning is “a potentially significant combination of hazardous winter weather. occurring or imminent.” In the case of the area around Mono County in the state of California, there is a possible snowfall accumulation of 1-3 feet above 8,000 feet, and a snowfall accumulation of 4-12 inches is possible in the area at lower elevations along the route of US-395.
2. Snowfall in the Area and Hazardous Road Conditions
Expect snowfall of at least 18 inches or greater by early Saturday in Idaho Big Hole Mountains, Bear River Range, and Sawtooth Basin. In Wyoming, Sierra Madre Range and Colorado Mountains in Elkhead and Park Regioncan also expect snowfall of at least 18 inches or greater by early Saturday. The rest of East, Southern CT, Northeast NJ, and Southeast NY can also expect snowfall of 9 inches or greater, and areas in Wayne County and Pike County, Pennsylvania, can also see snowfall of 9 inches or greater.
3. The Role of Clipper Systems
The upper Midwest is experiencing snow and ice, as the clipper system is entering, bringing wind and snow. As per the NWS Weather Prediction Center, the weather conditions are causing the high pressure to influence eastern Canada. The upper Great Lakes are expected to receive light to moderate snow, with the chance for up to a quarter inch of freezing rain down through lower Michigan and down to Pennsylvania, including Baltimore and Philadelphia.
4. Emergency Preparedness for Residents
As recommended by experts, citizens must prepare today. As cited from the warning issued by the NWS and safety experts, citizens must not go out if they do not have to. They must also make a list of things that they must have in a winter survival kit. Some things that must be included are the following: tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets, extra clothing, water, first aid kits, and non-perishable food.
5. Staying Safe on the Roads
For the traveling person, AAA advises slow-speed operation, gentle acceleration and braking, and following at a distance of five to six seconds. When going uphill, the person should preserve momentum without aggressive engine rushing, while on uphill roads, the person should avoid the urge to stop on the hill. Regarding the stranded person, the person should stay with his or her car, be visible with brightly coloured fabric, and make sure that the exhaust is clear.
6. Avalanches and Mountain Hazards
Additionally, the warning also extends to the possibility of snowslides in the high mountains, such as the Lake Tahoe area. As the Sierra Avalanche Centre reports, Natural snow slides are likely, and human-initiated snow slides capable of burying or injuring someone are very likely. The slopes have filled with winds and snow, and the weaker snow is now isolated from the surface.
7. Power Outages and Home Safety
Snow and ice can additionally cause utility poles and tree branches to break down, thus resulting in a power outage. According to safety experts, all downed power lines must be regarded as live and kept far from them. Preparation of home includes: Improvement in home insulation, closing home drafts, Cutting tree branches near electricity lines. The side of the emergency kit for the house should have: Batteries,Water,Food,Medical supplies, Medicines.
8. Monitoring Conditions and Delayed Travel
For some Weather conditions are changing rapidly. It is necessary to see the forecast of the weather and the actual weather conditions before going out, either by the use of products called QuickMaps or systems 511. Chains are already being laid out, and the closing of the roads is imminent because of the weather that is already associated with zero visibility created by the blowing snow.
As snow quantities are rising along with further deterioration of blowing snow, clearly this has become a large-scale storm system that poses a large amount of danger.
