December 23, 2008, Portland OR
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Cold Temperatures, Snow, Freezing Rain and High Winds are Dangerous
What will you do without lights?
How will you stay warm?
What will you eat?
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Winter is quickly approaching, so now is the perfect time to start thinking about winter storm preparation. Household emergency supplies should include enough food, water and supplies to last four days without power or help.
2010, Wet and wild winter predicted
A recent story in the Portland Tribune said Portland area residents are in for a wet and wild winter according to a series of forecasts presented by members of the Oregon chapter American Meteorological Society.
Two years ago an arctic blast delivered a series of three storms that began December 14, 2008 and kept a grip on the area for over two weeks. Portland reported six days where the temperature never got above freezing with high winds, blowing snow, and numerous road closures. Portland General Electric estimated 60,000 customers were without electricity on December 21st. And, on December 23, the airport reported a whopping 10" of snow in one day making it the snowiest December on record.
BRRRrrrr
The 2010 Farmers’ Almanac claims this winter will see more days of shivery conditions: a winter during which temperatures will average below normal for about three-quarters of the nation. Western Washington, Oregon, and northwest California should expect above-normal snowfall in most places. The coldest (and snowiest) periods will occur in mid-December and mid- to late February.
AccuWeather.com Chief Long-Range Meteorologist Joe Bastardi is predicting that the worst of winter's cold and snow will be from the Pacific Northwest to the western Great Lakes. "That will put cities like Portland and Seattle colder and snowier this year".
Winter Checklists and Wind Chill Chart below the break
