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.

 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

This video, produced by the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, provides a look at the opening ceremony of the old bridge back in 1929.

The New Lake Champlain Bridge will open Monday afternoon, nearly two years after the old bridge was closed. Photo by AP Photo/Shadows & Light Design, Eric A. Besette.

The New Lake Champlain Bridge spanning from West Addison, Vt. to Crown Point, N.Y. is set to open this afternoon almost two years after the old bridge was closed and taken down after being deemed unsafe.

The $70 million project comes as relief to commuters, who had to find alternative means of crossing the lake during construction. WCAX-TV reported this morning that there is no word yet whether the temporary ferry that operated adjacent to the bridge will stop operation today.

The opening ceremony for the "old" bridge in 1929. Then N.Y. Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt was in attendence. Photo from UVM Landscape Change Program.

I will be in the area to check out the new bridge Thursday. If anyone ventures down today for the ribbon-cutting and opening, post a comment or a picture.