A massive winter storm is expected to sweep across the United States this weekend, affecting an area spanning over 2000 miles and potentially impacting over 235 million people in more than 40 states. The American public is urged to prepare in advance with necessary supplies to be ready to face the blizzard.
According to the Director of the National Weather Service in the United States, Ken Graham, the storm is forecasted to begin on Friday and persist until Monday, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, raising concerns about widespread power outages, dangerous travel conditions, and extended disruptions in transportation.
Meteorologists predict that the storm will first hit Texas and Oklahoma, intensifying on Friday night. The storm system is expected to spread from New Mexico to Virginia on Saturday and enter the Northeast region on Sunday.
“Get prepared now,” Graham told Fox Weather Channel on Thursday. “Think about power outages, think about the cold, you need to be prepared for a week’s worth of supplies.”
The National Weather Service in the U.S. recommends stocking up on essential items before the winter storm arrives, including:
– Flashlights and spare batteries
– Extra food and water, including non-perishable items such as granola bars, nuts, and dried fruits
– Battery-powered NOAA weather radio or portable radio
– Additional prescription medications and first aid supplies
– Baby essentials like diapers and formula
– Heating fuel
– Emergency heat sources like well-ventilated electric heaters
– Accessible fire extinguishers and smoke alarms
– Extra pet food
Now is not the time to be stocking up on milk and sandwich ingredients. Focus on purchasing non-perishable, non-refrigerated, or easily prepared foods. Don’t forget bottled water. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises storing one gallon (approximately 3.8 liters) of water per person per day in your household.
Additionally, it is important to safeguard water pipes. As no one wants burst pipes during a power outage. Simple tips like opening cabinets for warm air circulation and letting faucets drip can help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Officials also remind the public not to use generators indoors or in enclosed spaces, and to ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. Grills and camp stoves should also not be used indoors.
“When the power goes out, a lot of people have generators. I urge everyone to use them correctly,” Graham said. “Many people have died due to improper use of generators…Please keep the generator far away from the house. Using a generator is fine, but it must be used correctly, or it could be dangerous.”
The National Weather Service in the U.S. also recommends people to have a winter survival kit in their vehicles. The survival kit should include: a mobile phone and charger, blankets, flashlight, first aid kit, non-perishable food, spare clothing, cat litter or sand (for added traction), shovel, ice scraper and brush, waterproof matches, basic toolbox, and a paper map.
Furthermore, it is advised not to park cars under power lines or trees.
The government also encourages farmers and pet owners to move animals indoors or to sheltered areas, stock up on extra feed, and ensure they have water to drink.
“Over half the nation’s population will be impacted by winter weather,” Graham said. “The sheer breadth of this storm—from New Mexico all the way to New England—will have a significant impact on many people.”
For more information on how to handle winter storms, visit the National Weather Service website.
(This article referenced reports from Fox News and CNN)