The Groundhog has Proclaimed

Well maybe winter will come after all.

Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow in Pennsylvania this morning and saw his shadow early morning news reports state, which according to folklore means there will be 6 more weeks of winter.

It’s been an interesting season in Vermont and throughout the country. National snow analysis shows that just 19% of the lower 48 states had snow cover as of February 1, compared to 52% at this time last year. It’s fun to look at predictions from prognosticators like Furry Phil, but one thing we know living in Vermont is the weather can change fast, and winter doesn’t like to leave quickly.

Shaping up to be a messy Thursday

Be cautious out on the roadways today. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory. Wet snow is forecast to mix with sleet and freezing rain. 3 to 6 inches of snow is likely throughout Vermont, with the higher accumulations to take place in the mountains. Monitor state highway road conditions on VTrans 511 website.

Stop signs wern’t always red

Here’s an interesting article from the NY Times Magazine that takes a look back at the history of the stop sign. The first edition of the MUTCD in 1935 (only 166 pages long!) is cited. Enjoy.

Monitor State Highway Road Conditions

With snow and ice affecting most of the State this morning, we want to send a reminder about the VTrans online 511 travel information service. This site lists road conditions statewide and provides access to camera images around the state. Remember to travel at a safe speed for road conditions.

“Nightmare” Roads in the U.S. Identified in New Report

This article provides an overview and link to a report out today by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University that identifies 328 stretches of highway listed as the most seriously congested in the U.S. Six of the top seven are located in Los Angeles. The report also addresses the time and fuel wasted waiting in traffic congestion at these locations each year.

Winter Maintenance and Budget Challenges Ahead

This article in today’s Burington Free Press addresses budget challenges moving forward after Irene that municipalities are faced with, and that winter road maintenance will take place as ususal this winter. A number of VTrans and municipal officials from Central Vermont are quoted.

Winter Weather Advisory

 

 Hazardous Winter Weather Event Possible Tuesday Night and Wednesday

 WATERBURY – The National Weather Service in Burlington has issued a winter storm advisory for most areas of Vermont for Tuesday night into Wednesday night.  A mix of rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected to fall throughout Vermont starting late Tuesday and continuing throughout Wednesday.

The mixture of wet snow and ice could make driving conditions hazardous and have the potential to cause isolated power outages.  The Vermont Department of Public Safety urges Vermonters to prepare for these adverse conditions, and the conditions winter generally offers us.

 General safety tips:

The elderly and those with special needs should contact their power company and local emergency officials to alert them of those needs in the event of a power outage.

• Have some extra batteries, flashlights, water, canned food, and other items on hand in the event you are stranded in your home for an extended period.
• Purchase a battery-powered radio or NOAA weather radio to listen for advisories.
• Keep your gas tank and your home heating tank full of fuel.
• If you lose power and use a generator – it must only be used OUTDOORS.  Ensure your generator exhaust is not entering your home through windows or fresh air vents.
• It is critical as snow piles up to ensure all outside heating vents are clear of snow.  A blocked vent can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home and CO poisoning.  Prolonged carbon monoxide exposure can be fatal, so it is imperative that vents be cleared. Take a close look at direct vents that are located lower down on walls.
• Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in the vicinity of any bedrooms and on each level your home. 

 When driving:

 Check road and weather conditions before leaving your home.

• Avoid traveling unless necessary and always allow yourself extra time to get to your destination.
• Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition with snow tires and winter windshield wiper blades.
• Watch for and expect changing road conditions, black ice, blowing snow, high winds or whiteout conditions can appear when you least expect them to
• The single most important rule is to drive at a speed that matches the prevailing visibility, traffic and road conditions. The posted speed limits are for dry, clear conditions only
• Be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra room, extend the following distance from other vehicles ahead.
• If your car doesn’t make it to your destination, pull as far off the road as possible, to minimize any further traffic hazards, and stay in the car. Even a short walk in winter storm conditions can be dangerous.  Make sure your exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow; if it is turn off your car.  If you have any doubt – turn off your car.
• Carry a cell phone and use 911 in case of an emergency, but do not become over dependant on a cell phone.

 For more please visit http://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness.

 Contacts:

Mark Bosma, Vermont Emergency Management, 800-347-0488

Michael Greenia, Vermont Division of Fire Safety, 802-479-7587