Saturday, January 10, 2009

HWD issued for Arctic outbreak

****MAJOR COLD ARCTIC OUTBREAK***
This HWD is for the whole forecast area,will be focus around the major Arctic outbreak for next week.....

A few clipper like systems will pass through the area this weekend into Monday,with each passing system they will sever to draw down very cold air of the Arctic circle...Arctic high pressure will build into the area starting Monday night and lasting right through weeks end....This cold snap could be the coldest we have seen since 15 years ago....This will also be a prolonged event... Temps will have a hard time getting out of the teens below zero for highs...If we are luck some areas may be basking in single digits below....Lows will pummel from a range of -30s to -20s....If computer models pan out right we could easily see over night lows drop into the -40s....Wind-chill may be a problem from time to time also!
This weekend would be a good time to prepare for this very cold outbreak...Check batteries in your cars/trucks...Would not be bad idea to stock up on some extra food in case you are not able to get out...Fill up some water jugs in case you water pipes freezes up...
During the cold snap...
If you must travel make sure you have a winter safety kit in you car/truck..If you car/truck becomes disable,stay with it..If you have a cell phone call for help.don't try to walk to get help..Many people freeze to death each year by doing this...Check up on Family, friends,neighbors,and older people...Keep your kids indoor as much as possible,at the bus stop make sure they are bundle up..It will only take a few minutes for any exposed skin to freeze...If you lose power/heat,best thing to do is stay with a family member or friends...If you must work outdoors try to do it in the afternoon hours when temps will be some what warmer.
This will be a very dangerous cold snap for everyone..