12/17/13 More Snow on the Way… Blowing and Drifting May Cause Problems for Tuesday.
A clipper system will move through the region bringing a good chance for accumulating snow this afternoon and into tonight. Locations north of highway 30 could see new snowfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Marshall County EMA Director, Clyde Avery urges people to, “Please plan ahead and allow extra time if you are traveling later this afternoon, as roads could become slick.” Highs today will range from the upper teens in our northeast to the mid 20s.
Another system could bring an additional inch of snow across the area on Tuesday. Winds will be out of the west at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph which will cause issues with blowing and drifting snow especially across north/south roads.
Make sure you have a winter preparedness kit for your vehicle in case of a weather-related emergency like an accident, car trouble or slide-offs. An emergency car kit is essential any time of year and should include the following items, with special emphasis this time of year on water, food and warmth:
• At least two blankets or a sleeping bag;
• Flashlight and extra batteries;
• Booster (jumper) cables;
• Emergency flares;
• Extra clothing, including boots, hats and gloves;
• Shovel, kitty-litter or sand;
• Bottled water and non-perishable foods like granola bars, raisins, nuts, peanut butter or cheese crackers;
• First-aid kit and necessary medications;
• Sand or non-clumping kitty litter for tire traction;
• Cell phone and charger for vehicle use; and
• Ice scraper and snow brush.
Remember:
If you do become stuck and are unable to call for assistance,
keep in mind the following precautions:
• Unless there is a safe structure nearby, do not leave the car, since it is the best protection;
• Run the engine for 10 minutes every hour to stay warm. An idling car only uses about one gallon of gas per hour;
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the car for rescuers to see;
• Light a flare or turn on a flashlight to let others know you are stranded;
• Make sure the exhaust pipe is free of any blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning; and
• Keep hydrated by drinking water from your preparedness kit. Don’t eat snow, as it will lower body temperature.
For more tips on winter weather safety or building a vehicle preparedness kit, contact the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency at 574-936-3740.
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