Dead of winter: Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold

Every year, the forecasters at NOAA – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – release seasonal outlooks to help communities prepare for the weather in the months ahead. This year, “La Nina” may bring cold and snow to the Mid-Atlantic region. And there’s the potential for severe weather in the Southeast and Tennessee Valley. Ice storms may develop as well from Tennessee to northeast Texas, while winter tornadoes are not out of the question for these same areas.

If you live in Michigan you know how the winter weather can be. One minute little snowflakes coming down and the next a winter storm.

No one can control Mother Nature, and sometimes, the right conditions come together to create the “perfect storm” – snowfall or thick layers of ice that can paralyze entire communities and knock out the power to hundreds of thousands. In 1997 affected Southeast Lower Michigan. From the northern suburbs of Detroit north to Flint and Port Huron, amounts ranged from 0.8 to 1.5 inches. North of that area, amounts ranged from 0.40 to 0.80 inches. In the Detroit Metropolitan area, the ice storm resulted in power outages to over 425,000 homes and businesses; the 3rd largest outage in history, and the worst ever for an ice storm. Several thousand residents were without power for as long as 4 days. In addition to powerlines, falling trees damaged dozens of cars and houses throughout the area. Most were closed, and there were numerous auto accidents. In 1999 amajor winter snowstorm dumped 12-18 inches across Lower Michigan January 2-3, 1999, making it one of the worst snowstorms ever to hit the state. Detroit Metro officially receiving 23 inches by the 15th, although some of the northern and western suburbs of Detroit received about 30 inches during this two week period. The temperatures during this period were very cold, with Detroit’s average temperature being 11.4 degrees, which is 12 degrees below normal.

“When you look at cases studies here we find that most people who get into problems during winter storms are one they are not prepared and two they don’t know the latest forecast and third they are not getting it from a good reliable source,” said Certified Consulting Meteorologist Mark McGinnis. “Those are the three aspects that will get you into trouble when dealing with winter weather. These winter storms especially in Michigan they can last more than just a day to of the duration and complexities of these storms they all cause problems and if your off message and not prepared, you’re going to find yourself in a tough spot.”

When the forecast calls for dangerous conditions there are a few things we should consider. “I’ve been working with Generac Power Systems as a consultant for years,” said McGinnis. “And we have done a lot of research into this. First and foremost keep your home well insulated. Check your attic; around your windows, make sure you don’t have any drafts. If you have a fireplace when was the last time it was inspected and if you are going to use that fireplace make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector to keep your house safe. If there is a room in the house you don’t use too much close doors, you can shut off water valves as well. And if you are worried about losing power you can look into a portable generator as well. Also, have a good supply of food in your house so if you are stuck in your house for a day or two you don’t have to worry about food. Make sure you have a good winter survival kit in your house that is going to include extra blankets, flashlights and batteries. Make sure your cellphone is fully powered as well and if you have those portable batteries for your cellphone have them powered up as well.

For more information visit generac.com and to prepare for winter weather and other disasters visit ready.gov

To listen to the interview with Mark McGinnis visit tumblr/deadofwinter

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Courtesy: Generac Power System