What to keep in mind as more than 40 states prepare for the winter storm’s impact
FOX Weather Correspondent Ian Oliver discusses the details of a major winter storm that brought sub-zero temperatures, heavy snow and significant snow to many regions in a ‘Special Report.’
Americans are being urged to prepare as a major winter storm is expected to extend more than 2,000 miles across the US this weekend, potentially affecting more than 235 million people in more than 40 states.
The storm is forecast to bring heavy snow, ice and freezing rain from Friday into Monday, raising concerns about widespread power outages, hazardous travel conditions and long-term disruptions, according to National Weather Service Director Ken Graham.
“Get ready now,” Graham told FOX Weather on Thursday. “When you think about power outages, you think about cold weather, you need to prepare to have the supplies you need for the week.”
CHRISTMAS TRAVELERS STILL SAVED AS AIRPORTS SEE MORE FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS, DELAYS
Bottles of water are displayed in a pile. (iStock / Stock)
The National Weather Service recommends gathering essential items before a winter storm, including:
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- More food and water, including non-perishable items such as granola bars, nuts and dried fruit
- A battery operated NOAA weather radio or portable radio
- Additional prescription drugs and first aid supplies
- Baby necessities like diapers and formula
- Heating oil
- An emergency heat source, such as a space heater that doesn’t fit properly
- Working fire extinguisher and smoke alarms
- More pet food
A YEAR AFTER HURRICANE HELENE, COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES ARE RESILIENTLY REBUILDING.
A man puts a can of canned food in a shopping cart at a grocery store. (iStock / Stock)
Officials also remind the public to never run generators indoors or in enclosed spaces and to make sure carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
“When the power goes out, many people have generators. I ask everyone to use them wisely,” said Graham. “We lose a lot of people because we don’t use generators properly. … Keep them away from the house. It’s okay to use them, but use them properly because it can be dangerous if you don’t use them.”
The National Weather Service recommends that people keep a winter survival kit in the car.
That kit should include a phone and charger, blankets, flashlights, first aid kit, non-perishable food, extra clothes, cat litter or litter, shovel, ice scraper and brush, waterproof matches, basic tool kit and paper maps.
GOOGLE, PARTNERS LAUNCHE SATELLITES INTO SPACE TO DETECT FIRE
The cardboard is filled with non-perishable goods in the can. (iStock / Stock)
Farmers and pet owners are also encouraged to bring animals indoors or in sheltered areas, store extra food and make sure they have access to water.
CLICK HERE FOR FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO
“More than half of the people in this country will face winter weather,” said Graham. “The magnitude of this — from New Mexico all the way to New England — is going to have a huge impact on a lot of people.”
For more information on how to prepare for a winter storm, visit the National Weather Service website.
