IT'S GOING TO GET COLD OUTSIDE

Joe Bastardi, my favorite weather guy, and Weatherbell Forecasting Center has its winter forecast out.  It is predicting temperatures two degrees below normal.  Thought this would go well with the New Courier article below on preparing for this winter.

If the current model holds true, the lower three-fourths of the state could have a wetter-than-normal winter. The Tennessee Valley’s outlook, however, remains uncertain.

Despite having a mild winter last year, North Alabama has experienced significant winter weather over the past few years and was provided a rare white Christmas in 2010. Other significant events included the winter storm of March 2009 and a historic snowfall event in January 2011.

Officials with the National Weather Service and the Limestone County Emergency Management Agency want residents to be ready as the winter season approaches. Temperatures have already dipped below freezing this week, meaning water pipes can be vulnerable.

“People need to be prepared and pay attention to weather bulletins,” said Daphne Ellison, communications officer with the Limestone EMA. “It’s hard for the weather service to predict snow because those conditions have to be right, but you need to take precautions if it does happen.”

Some of those precautions include keeping emergency supplies not only at home, but also in a personal vehicle. The NWS recommends preparing a travel safety kit containing batteries, blankets, a first-aid kit, pocket knife, tow rope, shovel, sand/cat litter, ice scraper, water, nonperishable food, road maps/GPS equipment, a mobile phone charger and an AM/FM battery-operated radio.

Ellison said residents should keep those same items on hand in the home. She also recommended maintaining emergency heat sources, including kerosene heaters. She added that residents should also keep a close check on elderly relatives and neighbors during winter months.

Click on Be Prepared for complete article