Midwest Braces for First Winter Storm of 2010

Southern Illinois, Southeast Indiana, Western Kentucky and Southeast Missouri, Middle Tennessee Expect Winter Storm

Tammy Lee Morris
Midwestern residents are gearing up and preparing for the first winter snow storm of 2010. The National Weather Service in Paducah, KY has issued a winter storm watch for southern Illinois, southeast Indiana, western Kentucky, southeast Missouri and middle Tennessee. A front is expected to move into the area on Wednesday evening, January 6 and continue through Thursday, January 7.

The National Weather Service announcement stated that an expected snow accumulation of 3-5 inches will be followed by a surge of arctic air that will drop temperatures into single digits. In addition, the NWS advised that northwest winds will cause visibility issues and travel problems across the affected area.

I live in southern Illinois and have had contact with several friends and family members who are making preparations for the storm. Many residents are making trips to local stores and stocking up on food, rock salt and other necessities before the storm hits.

Residents in my area are not strangers to wicked winter weather. Last February (2009), a massive ice storm hit the region and caused extensive damage to power lines and trees. Many businesses closed due to ice damage and power outages due to this storm. Western Kentucky and extreme southern Illinois were hit especially hard with many residents being without power for two weeks, some longer.

Make preparations now for winter weather

Before winter weather hits, you should plan ahead now. Since a winter storm has been forecast for the Midwest - specifically southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri - precautions and preparations should be made now.

Fill up your car's gas tank. Make sure you have plenty of fuel or wood for heat. Check your pantry to make sure you have enough food in case you cannot leave your home due to snow or ice. Be sure you have plenty of household supplies, toiletries and necessary medications. Keep a supply of bottled drinking water on hand in case water lines freeze.

Charge electronic items (cell phones, laptops) in case of power outages and set aside extra batteries, and flashlights. For other tips on planning for winter weather, see Survive Winter Weather by Being Prepared.

Source:
http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=pah&wwa=winter%20storm%20watch

Published by Tammy Lee Morris - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Tammy Lee Morris is a lifelong resident of southern Illinois where she enjoys a quiet life in a rural area. After working for a local newspaper while studying journalism at a local community college, she dev...   View profile

14 Comments

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  • Lois Lunsford 1/6/2010

    We're having some extreme cold weather too, but nothing like you. We're praying for you.

  • Kim Keason 1/6/2010

    It has not stopped snowing since last Friday. You'd think we'd be buried but it has been light and road crews have been able to keep up.

  • HL Cole 1/6/2010

    How's that "Global Warming" coming along?

  • Agnes Farside 1/6/2010

    Expecting 2-6 inches where I'm at. Joy! Joy!

  • Heather Tooley 1/5/2010

    Good tips and covering weather in the midwest.

  • Janet Hunt 1/5/2010

    Excellent report. It is cold everywhere!

  • Sandy Rothra 1/5/2010

    Good advice.I hate snow.

  • Catherine Spencer 1/5/2010

    Good tips for winter storms! It's been soooo cold here in Michigan and temps are dropping with ice storm predicted for tomorrow. YUK!!

  • Mike Oberg 1/5/2010

    Jenny, just come to KC! We are a balmy 14 degrees right now, but everyone is scraping off the last snow to be ready for 3-5 more inches tomorrow, followed by some really cold air (say -11 degrees with 20-25 mph winds!). Come enjoy it while you can! If you just want to SEE it, you can look at my White Christmas pictures here; http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/40691/white_christmas.html?cat=2 OR Michael Segers White Christmas here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/42161/white_christmas_in_central_florida.html?cat=16.

  • Jennifer Wagner 1/5/2010

    I would love to see a little snow.

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