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...WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS PART FIVE...
Typically we think of winter as snow and cold, but flooding can also occur.
Coastal flooding occurs if powerful Noreasters generate 20 foot or higher seas,
riding atop a higher than normal astronomical tide. The risk for this is
primarily along the Massachusetts East Coast, but occasionally can occur with
Southerly gales along the South Coast and the rivers that empty into the South
Coastal Waters. Sometimes excessive snow depth can be reduced quickly by rapid
melting during a substantial warmup. If heavy rainfall combines with the thawing
snow and still frozen ground, the result can be widespread flooding of low lying
areas. Ice jams in late winter can cause river and small stream flooding.
Usually, the NWS will have plenty of lead time on watches and warnings, although
ice jams can develop suddenly with much less informative lead time for the
affected communities. In all instances, Watches/Warnings notwithstanding, you
should follow the advice of local Emergency Management or Law Enforcement
Officials. Before the winter begins in earnest, be sure that your vehicle is
ready for winter conditions. Check the antifreeze and battery to make sure they
can withstand the cold, especially if you travel to the colder climate of the
northern border states. Check your tires to be sure that you will have adequate
traction. The majority of winter weather snow and ice related fatalities are men
over the age of 40, and about 70 percent of fatalties occur in automobiles.
Hypothermia related fatalities are primarily in men (75 percent), with half of
hypothermia related fatalities in people over 60 years of age, and 20 percent
inside the home. Let's not be a winter weather related statistic. Plan ahead,
use multiple resources to assist in your planning, including your 24 by 7
ever-vigilant National Weather Service...at your service!
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