Significant Snow Expected in Vermont - 2.13.14

Vermont Emergency Management

Vermont Department of Public Safety

Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Press Release

February 13, 2014

  10 a.m.

Significant Snow Expected in Vermont

Vermonters encouraged to check heating vents and drive safe

 http://vem.vermont.gov/press/snow_2.13.14

WATERBURY, VT – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning and is predicting up to 18-inches of snow for areas of southern Vermont between Thursday morning and Friday evening.  NWS is also expecting gusty winds which could create snow drifts and present challenges in areas where there is less snowfall.

With snow on the ground and more expected, all Vermonters are encouraged to check heating vents to ensure they are clear of snow and venting properly.  A blocked vent can cause deadly carbon monoxide (CO) to enter the home.  CO is colorless and odorless and can cause injury or death.  All homeowners are advised to have working carbon monoxide detectors in the home and to get out and call for help if it sounds.  Symptoms of CO poisoning include lethargy and nausea.

Travelers should check forecasts before heading out and drive appropriately for conditions.  Slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to allow for extra braking distance.  Clear all snow from your car so your visibility is not impeded and you don’t present a hazard to other drivers.

Other things to remember during snow storms:

Be a good neighbor – Check in on elderly or other neighbors who may need assistance.
Don’t overdo it – When clearing snow take frequent breaks.  Shoveling is strenuous work and can lead to a number of health problems ranging from a back injury to cardiac issues.

Vermont Alert can send weather and other updates directly to users.  Account holders can have information about their area directly to their e-mail box or mobile phone or both – whatever they chose.  Sign up for an account at http://vtalert.gov and click the appropriate link on the left side of the page.

Updates on roads, weather conditions, or any other issues can be found on the following sites:

VT DEMHS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement
VT DEMHS on Twitter: @vemvt … https://twitter.com/vemvt
Vermont 511 on Twitter: @511vt … https://twitter.com/511VT
VTrans on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/VTrans/143848835653728
Vermont State Police on Twitter: @VTStatePolice … https://twitter.com/VTStatePolice
Vermont State Police on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice
NWS Burlington: https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Burlington.gov on Facebook or @NWSBurlington on Twitter
NWS Albany: https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Albany.gov on Facebook or @NWSAlbany on Twitter

Weather and other resources:
National Weather Service Albany (Forecast office for Bennington and Windham counties): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/aly/
National Weather Service Burlington (Rest of Vermont): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/
Road conditions: www.511vt.com