WATERBURY – The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for the western edge of Vermont, and a Winter Storm Warning for all of Vermont through 8 p.m. Wednesday evening. Most areas of the state are likely to eventually see up to two feet of snow with gusty winds creating drifts and whiteout conditions, which creates some safety concerns.
The storm is forecast to intensify throughout Tuesday. Travel will become increasingly difficult, with some of the worst conditions during the Tuesday evening commute through Wednesday morning.
If you must travel, please remember:
- Snow, snowdrifts, and icy spots where snow has been blown from the road could contribute to worsening road conditions.
- Blowing snow will also reduce visibility, so slow down, allow extra stopping distance and give plow trucks plenty of room to work.
- The Vermont State Police ask that you please NOT call emergency dispatch or 911 to determine road or traffic conditions. During major weather events, dispatchers are busy handling emergency calls and supporting first responders. Please visit http://vtstatepolice.blogspot.com/ or http://vtrans.vermont.gov/operations/winter for road information. You can also get road, weather, and other alerts sent to you through Vermont alert: http://vtalert.gov.
- For driving safety tips visit: http://demhs.vermont.gov/preparedness/driving
Other important reminders:
- Blowing snow could contribute to carbon monoxide hazards by blocking heat and exhaust vents. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause flu-like illness or death. Symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu and include nausea, headache, and dizziness. If you feel these symptoms, leave the home and call for help.
- Always have working CO and Smoke detectors in your home and in all living areas.
- Clear all heating vents of snow. Even in areas of lesser accumulation winds could create a snow drift on the side of the home and block vents. With no way to vent, CO will drift back into the home.
- Never use a generator indoors – only operate generators outside away from the home. Even if operated outside CO can drift back into the home through an open window, door, or vent.
- Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or who may otherwise need special assistance. Be sure their heating vents are clear of snow, and during a prolonged weather event that they have heat, electricity and any needed medical supplies.
- Take it easy while shoveling. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death during the winter.
Information and safety resources:
For weather, road, or emergency updates sent directly to your e-mail or cell phone sign up for Vermont Alert: http://www.vtalert.gov.
Forecast information: www.weather.gov/btv or www.weather.gov/aly.
DEMHS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement
DEMHS on Twitter: twitter.com/vemvt (@vemvt)
Vermont State Police on Twitter: @vtstatepolice
Vermont State Police on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice/
VTrans on Facebook: www.facebook.com/vtransontheroad
VTrans on Twitter: twitter.com/511vt (@511vt)
Vermont Department of Health on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthVermont/
Vermont Department of Health on Twitter: twitter.com/healthvermont (@HealthVermont)
National Weather Service Burlington on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSBurlington/
National Weather Service Burlington on Twitter: (@NWSBurlington)
National Weather Service Albany on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSAlbany/
National Weather Service Albany on Twitter: (@NWSAlbany)
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Mark Bosma
Public Information Officer
VT Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security
http://vtalert.gov
Vermont Department of Public Safety | Vermont State Police Press Releases: http://vsp.vermont.gov/press_releases Submit an Anonymous Tip: http://www.vtips.info Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/VTStatePolice