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The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Watch in effect from Monday afternoon on January 26, 2015 through Tuesday January 27, 2015 evening. Heaviest snow and strongest winds are predicted to occur overnight Monday into Tuesday.

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Tonight:  A slight chance of snow after midnight. Increasing clouds, with a low around 17. Wind chill values between 10 and 15. Northeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Monday: Snow. High near 25. Wind chill values between 5 and 15. Northeast wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Monday Night: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 23. Wind chill values between 10 and 15. Blustery, with a northeast wind 17 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches possible.

Tuesday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 27. Blustery, with a north wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.

Tuesday Night: A chance of snow, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Impacts

Extremely dangerous travel due to heavy snowfall and strong winds, with whiteout conditions likely. Secondary and tertiary roads may become impassable. Strong winds may down power lines and tree limbs.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions:

A blizzard watch means there is a potential for falling and/or blowing snow with strong winds and extremely poor visibilities. This can lead to whiteout conditions and make travel very dangerous.

Before the Storm Strikes Be Prepared:

1.  Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit:

  • Keep an extra cell phone car-charger in your automobile
  • Bottled water, 3-5 day supply (1 gallon per person, per day)
  •  High-calorie, non-perishable food, i.e. granola/snack bars, etc
  • Flashlights/Battery operated lanterns
  • Extra Batteries
  • Blankets or Sleeping Bag
  • Extra Clothes
  • First Aid Kit

2.  Develop and Rehearse an Emergency Plan: Organize a plan for you and your family, should there be an emergency. Always inform loved ones where you are and where you are going, in case you become separated or need to relocate.  Teach family members how to use text messaging; text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.

3.  Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:  In the event of a power outage, portable generators should be operated safely. Outdoor grilling devices should never be brought inside the home for cooking or warmth. Only use generators and outdoor grills outside of your home and never in enclosed spaces such as garages, basements, or porches. Always run your generator outdoors as far from your home and your neighbors’ homes as possible (at least 20 feet) and away from doors, windows, and air intake vents.

4.  Register with Stamford’s Emergency Notification System(s), Code Red, and CT Alert to receive a phone message, text message whenever there is an urgent announcement or situational update.

Visit: www.cityofstamford.org, and click on the “Register for Stamford Alert” button and www.ctalert.gov and click on the “Register for Alerts”.

5.  Keep Automobiles Prepared:  Power outages may disable fuel stations. Keep a cell phone car-charger in the glove box.

6.  Emergency Shelters: In the event of a major power outage emergency shelters may be open to the public. Be sure to pack any necessary medications or medical equipment, toiletries and bed linens.

7.  Care for your Pet: Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather.

8.   Stay Informed:  Be sure to repeatedly check your local TV and radio stations, and the City’s website for news and information as it becomes available.

Visit

  • www.cityofstamford.org
  • WSTC Radio  – 1400 AM
  • WSHU Stamford Radio – 91.1 FM
  • WGCH Radio – 1490 AM
  •  Fox Radio 95.9 FM
  • News 12 Connecticut, Channel 12

To prepare for and respond to severe weather visit: 

Urgent Winter Weather Message – Blizzard Watch Issued

Posted: January 26, 2015
About the Author: Captain Philip Hayes
Captain Hayes is a 31-year veteran of the Stamford Fire Department. He is currently assigned to the East Side Fire Station #4 on Shippan Avenue. In addition to his regular Fire Officer duties, he is a Public Relations Officer, the developer of the StamfordFire.com website and serves on the Departments' IT Team. He is also an avid fan of Fire Department history.
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