Winter Storm
Posted on Jan 2nd, 2014
Winter Storm Watch
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch. Current weather forecasts are calling for severe winter weather conditions to impact the region tonight into Saturday morning. These severe winter weather conditions will make travel dangerous tonight into Friday morning in addition to bringing into the area some of the coldest air experienced in a number of years.
A storm will develop and impact the region tonight into Friday, which will be immediately followed by a blast of extreme arctic air. As a result, the following weather conditions are expected during the next 72 hours:
Precipitation
Snow is expected to start falling in the area this afternoon. The snow might start off as rain but quickly change over to snow. The heaviest period of snow will be tonight into Friday morning. At this time, 2-4 inches of snow are anticipated.
Temperatures
Temperatures will quickly fall tonight to a low of around 15 with a wind chill factor around zero. High temperatures on Friday will struggle to reach 20. Friday night will be one of the coldest nights in a number of years with lows around 2 degrees with the wind chill factor approaching 20 below zero. A wind chill factor in this range is considered life threatening and residents are advised to dress accordingly. Also, it is strongly recommended to bring pets inside for their wellbeing Friday night.
Winds
Winds will increase tonight out of the northeast and be sustained at 20-25mph with gust upwards to 40mph. Winds will slowly decrease Friday night. Significant icing conditions are expected on roadways.
Township Department of Public Works personnel are fully prepared and ready for the pending winter storm. Snow fighting equipment are ready to be deployed and there are sufficient supplies of road salt available for use.
However, with such low temperatures expected, the effectiveness of road salt will be greatly reduced. Generally speaking, temperatures 15 degrees or below greatly impact the ability of road salt to effectively melt ice and snow.
The approaching storm has been upgraded to a major winter weather event so all residents are urged to prepare for severe winter weather conditions. This would include preparing for possible power outages of a long duration. Furthermore, residents are asked to monitor weather forecast at their favorite media outlet.
Additional statements will be issued for this severe winter weather event.