Winter weather Potential and tips from Mayor David Abernathy

The upcoming two back-to-back winter weather systems present a potentially dangerous scenario that will affect our city and region.  We can expect extremely cold actual and wind chill temperatures, freezing rain, sleet and snow accumulations and potentially multiple consecutive days of sub-freezing temperatures.  Freezing rain or mist can be especially damaging as layers can build up and the weight of the ice can bring down overhead wires and tree limbs and even snap utility poles.

The first system is expected to be in our area by late Saturday/ early Sunday, with the second one to arrive on Wednesday and both are to have some form of frozen precipitation.  Our area could see a few inches of snow on top of some ice.  ALL road surfaces, not just those elevated such as bridges and overpasses, will be impacted.

Winter Weather Advisories and then Winter Storm Watches and Warnings are expected to be issued by the National Weather Service - Shreveport, LA, the office which covers our part of the state.  Below are what those terms mean:

Wintry weather expected.  Exercise Caution.  Light amounts of wintry precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions and could affect travel if precautions are not taken.

Snow, sleet, or ice possible.  Be prepared.  Confidence is medium that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.

Snow, sleet, or ice expected.  Take action.  Confidence is high that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.

Remember the four "Ps" during this time:

Winterization preparations should be completed ahead of Sunday morning.  And, think of what you would do if electrical power were out for a considerable length of time - potentially a few days.

Are exposed pipes wrapped or water turned off to exposed faucets?  Are garden hoses removed from the faucets?  Open the cabinets below sinks, especially if they are against outside walls.  A dripping faucet can help relieve expansion pressure in plumbing.  21 degrees and below can cause major problems with plumbing.  And, this is referring to the ambient temperatures and not wind chills.  Wind chill temperatures are just what it feels like to exposed skin.  

Fuel your vehicles and other equipment now.  If electricity is off, gasoline and diesel can't be pumped at the convenience store. 

Consider how you would charge your cellular phones - Do you have a 12-volt charger for your car?  External power packs are made now that can not only recharge your phone or laptop but even jump-start your car's battery.  

Stocked up on groceries?  

Test or acquire smoke detectors.  And, if you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace or use natural gas or propane for heating or cooking in your home or travel trailer, test or acquire a carbon monoxide detector.  

If you have to travel, put some items in your vehicle such as blankets, flashlight (test it), a small shovel, fire extinguisher, something to break a car window (they are harder to break than you may think), battery booster power cell and/or jumper cables, etc.

Please be safe and check on others.  The City of Pittsburg Leadership and Camp County Emergency Management staff met yesterday to put plans into motion for this upcoming winter situation.  

David Abernathy

Mayor

City of Pittsburg, Texas