CSRA Winter Storm Warning Friday Through Sunday
The CSRA is now under a Winter Storm Warning starting at 10 p.m. Friday, January 30, through Sunday, February 1, at 10 a.m. As of 6:15 a.m. on Friday, January…
The CSRA is now under a Winter Storm Warning starting at 10 p.m. Friday, January 30, through Sunday, February 1, at 10 a.m.
As of 6:15 a.m. on Friday, January 30, we are expected to see partly cloudy skies with a high of 56 degrees, with more clouds and a low of 20 degrees overnight.
On Saturday, snow is expected to begin in the morning, and get lighter in the afternoon. Roads may become slippery. Predictions show anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of snow accumulation, with more in some areas. The high on Saturday is 33 degrees, with a low of 17. We could also experience wind gusts up to 35mph.
The CSRA will be under an Extreme Cold Watch starting Saturday at 7 p.m. through Sunday at 10 a.m. This means dangerously cold temperatures with lows in the mid-teens, but wind chills will be between -5 degrees and 5 degrees. The high on Sunday will be in the mid-30s.
Preparations for Winter Weather
While there is no need for panic, you should ensure that you and your family are prepared ahead of the storm.
For Columbia County notifications, make sure you are signed up for Hyper-Reach.
Here are tips from the National Weather Service:
For Home and Work: Your primary concerns at home or work during a winter storm are loss of heat, power and telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day. In either place, you should have available:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information
- Extra food and water, such as dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, and other food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
- Extra prescription medicine
- Baby items such as diapers and formula
- First-aid supplies
- Heating fuel: refuel before you are empty; fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm
- Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove, or space heater properly ventilated to prevent a fire
- Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm; test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they work properly
- Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets
- Review generator safety: Never run a generator in an enclosed space
- Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and that the outside vent is clear of leaves and debris. During or after the storm, make sure it is cleared of snow.
- Home fires are common each winter when trying to stay warm. Review ways to keep your home and loved ones safe.
For Your Vehicles: The best advice is to avoid driving if you don't have to. If for some reason you have to travel, take it slow! Black ice can be difficult to see. Also, make sure your fluid levels are full and all lights , heater, and windshield wipers work properly. Keep your gas tank near full and avoid traveling alone. Check ahead for any road incidents or closures that may affect your route.
Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit that includes the following:
- Mobile phone, charger, batteries
- Blankets/sleeping bags
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Knife
- High-calorie, non-perishable food
- Extra clothing to keep dry
- Large empty can to use as an emergency toilet, tissues, toilet paper, and paper towels
- Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
- Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
- Shovel
- Windshield scraper and brush
- Tool kit
- Tow rope
- Battery booster cables
- Water container
- Candle and matches to provide light and, in an emergency, lifesaving heat.
- Compass and road maps, don't depend on mobile devices with limited battery life
For Farms And Pet Owners:
- Move animals to sheltered areas or bring pets inside. Shelter belts, properly laid out and oriented, are better protection for cattle than confining shelters, such as sheds.
- Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas.
- Have water available. Most animals die from dehydration in winter storms.
- Make sure pets have plenty of food and water and a warm shelter.
Additional Tips
- Limit your time on the roads - especially bridges and overpasses. It's best to avoid driving.
- Prepare for isolated power outages and minor tree damage.
- Freezing temperatures can lead to burst water pipes. Wrap exposed pipes to insulate them from the cold. Also, consider letting faucets drip or slightly stream overnight to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep your pets safe. Ensure they have access to food and water. Shelter them indoors if possible, or ensure they have blankets or straw and shelter out of the wind and rain.
- Never use a portable generator indoors.
