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Weather Safety and Preparedness Educational Topics

An Exemplary Human Response to a New England Nor'easter! (credit: NWS Gray, Maine)

12/31/2016

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DISCUSSION: In the wake of most recent Nor'easter which hit both coastal and interior sections of New England including (but not limited to) the state of Maine, there were impressive snowfall totals reported across an axis from north-to-south across central Maine.  Having said that, the main story associated with this latest winter blast was the unprecedented number of winter storm reports which were submitted throughout the course of this winter storm across a large majority of interior New England.  There were well over 500 local storm reports submitted to the National Weather Service office in Gray, Maine during the course of this most recent winter storm.  This is impressive based on the fact even in some of the more historic snowstorms (or even blizzards) which have occurred during the course of the last few decades, there are often never more than 100-200 total local storm reports during the course of any given winter storm.  This is important since a larger number of submitted local storm reports help forecasters build a more comprehensive geographical understanding of the associated regional snowfall total map (e..g, by city, county, state, and even region).  This is noteworthy since this greatly helps for atmospheric scientists to more accurately research and study past, current, and future winter storms in order to improve major forecasts both in the short-term and the long-term future.

Here is a brief blurb from forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Gray, Maine describing their tremendous appreciation of the local and larger-scale public efforts during this particular winter storm!

"From Thursday afternoon through this morning our office issued more than 500 local storm reports. A big THANK YOU to all of you who contributed by providing valuable snow accumulation information. This was a difficult storm to forecast for, but you kept us busy with reports coming in nonstop, allowing us to stay informed enough to provide forecast updates. We really do appreciate all the reports during and after the storm. This is the final map based on the preliminary numbers we have received. Most of this snow fell in just a few hours Thursday evening into the early morning hours Friday morning with rates of 6 inches per hour reported."

To learn more about other high-impact weather events from across North America, be sure to click here!

©2016 
Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz
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Winter Weather Travel and Holiday Safety (Credit: Meteorologist Jessica Olsen & Wunderground)

12/23/2016

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DISCUSSION: The Holidays often tend to be the most trying time for many of us whether celebrating or not. Many of these issues stem from the typical increase and/or change in nearly every aspect of our daily routine. Often we can forget that weather is ever changing, which can pose many risks and headaches as we experience increase travel on the roads and air traffic.
 
Before you commence your holiday travel we recommend taking steps to ensure you are prepared for what may come with winter weather. These great tips compiled by Wunderground help to outline a home preparedness checklist. It’s important to note that most long-distance travel during the holidays, 91% is done by personal vehicle, while 5-6% is done by air and 2-3% are done by bus train, ships or other according to the United Stated Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
 
  • Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
    • Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways
    • Sand to improve traction
    • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
    • Sufficient heating fuel, like dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove
    • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm
  • Make a family emergency plan — Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency
  • Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS) and be alert to changing weather conditions
  • Minimize travel, but keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle
  • Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather
  • Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water
 
Winter Weather Driving
 
  • Before beginning your trip, check the current road conditions and weather forecast. For statewide highway information 24 hours a day checkout your state's Department of Transportation
  • Keep your car's windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice
  • Buckle up
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to make it to your destination
  • Be aware of sleet and freezing rain
  • Be aware of potentially icy areas
  • Brake early and slowly and avoid slamming on the brakes
  • Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road
  • When driving on ice and snow, do not use cruise control and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers
  • When merging into traffic, take it slow — Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to slide
  • Don't pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary — treat these as you would emergency response vehicles
  • Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car
  • Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. This is good for emergency preparedness and it keeps the fuel line from freezing.
  • Most importantly, drive smart!
 
If you must travel this holiday season this checklist will ensure your vehicle is prepared for the harsh conditions ahead:
 
  1. Check your brakes, transmission and tires
  2. Check that your battery and ignition system is in top condition and that battery terminals are clean
  3. Check radiator coolant and sturdiness of hoses and belts
  4. Check your anti-freeze and thermostat to avoid freezing
  5. Check your windshield wipers and deicing washer fluid
  6. Check your headlights, tail and brake lights, blinkers and emergency flasher
  7. Check your exhaust system, heater and defroster
  8. Check fuel and air filters
  9. Check your oil and power steering fluids
  10. Properly lubricate door locks that may be prone to freezing
 
~Meteorologist Jessica Olsen

"Winter Weather Preparedness." Weather Underground. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Dec. 2016.
 
"U.S. Holiday Travel | Bureau of Transportation Statistics." U.S. Holiday Travel | Bureau of Transportation Statistics. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Dec. 2016. ...
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