Weather Watch on three weather systems

The first of three weather systems will be arriving early Saturday evening. Near freezing temperatures will be in place with a threat of freezing rain and sleet. Precipitation amounts should be light but even so, icy roads will be an issue, especially along and north of a line from Bellville to Conroe to Livingston, according to the National Weather Service.

Second Weather System

Bitterly cold air will be moving into the region behind an Arctic cold front Sunday night into Monday morning. Temperatures will abruptly plummet below freezing with strong gusty northerly winds.
-Freezing rain changing over to snow is likely with this system.
-Prolonged periods of freezing temperatures are expected with low temperatures Tuesday morning 5 to 15 degrees.
-Travel will be severely impacted by hazardous icy and snowy road conditions. Sporadic power outages will be a possibility. Pipes and sprinkler systems may burst if not properly cared for in advance. Do so now!
-You should plan to stay put for at least a day beginning Sunday night because travel may be extremely hazardous Monday.
-For people outdoors, hypothermia will be a possibility for those not dressed appropriately.
Brutally cold wind chill readings of -7 to 10 degrees will be likely Monday through Tuesday morning

Do’s and don’ts

Although rare, winter storms can create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

What to do NOW:

• Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms.
• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.  If you are able to, set aside items like soap, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfecting wipes, and general household cleaning supplies that you can use to disinfect surfaces you touch regularly.
• Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.

What to do DURING:

• Stay off roads if at all possible.
• Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. 
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
• Avoid using candles.

• Space Heaters
  • Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from things that can burn.
  • Keep children at least 3 feet from space heaters.
  • Turn space heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
  • Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.

Be Safe AFTERWARDS:

• Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.
  • Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, and firm or waxy skin.
  • Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
• Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
  • Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
  • Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.
• If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible.

Home heating tips

-Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters, or candles. -Never use an oven to heat your home. -Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.-Never burn a charcoal or propane grill indoors. -Ensure you have a working Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm if you have a natural gas or wood-burning fireplace. 

Third Weather System…

…arrives sometime Wednesday and could bring another round of freezing rain or snow. Though not as cold as Monday night/Tuesday morning, it will continue the winter hazards. Confidence on timing and impacts is lower on this system. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS

Winterize your pipes

Winter is coming. All in one weekend. Time to prepare. When preparing your pipes and plants for the weather you should also winterize your lawn sprinkler system. CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO