Bracing For Blizzard, State Of Emergencies Issued

The governors of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as the mayor of Washington, D.C., are bracing for the expected blizzard and have already issued a state of emergency.

Friday night and on through Sunday, a blizzard bringing anywhere from 18 to 30 inches of snow is expected to hit Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., and it is considered to be massive. StormTeam4 announces that this could potentially be the record-breaking snow fall in Washington D.C.’s history. It was mentioned on RT that just an inch of snow that fell on DC last Wednesday caused upward of 150 automobile accidents.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser mentions that warming centers will be available in each section of DC. Bowser expressed extra concern for the disabled and elderly.

“We are especially concerned about disabled and elderly residents. If you know someone or see someone who needs shelter, we will continue we want you to call 311 for help.”

Georgetown Patch reports that Bower also suggests that nobody park along snow emergency routes, as any vehicle along those routes can and will be moved if necessary. D.C. will have 106 heavy plow trucks, 145 dump trucks, 39 tons of salt, 20 bob cats, and plenty of contracts to help assist during the blizzard.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf also declared a state of emergency, particularly for Eastern Pennsylvania, as 18 inches are expected to hit the Philadelphia area. According to Reading Eagle, Wolf states that all available resources and personnel will be used as necessary.

“Declaring a state of emergency allows the commonwealth to deliver state resources wherever they’re needed as quickly as possible. We have multiple state agencies working at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to monitor weather conditions across the state and we will respond to help local governments and residents in need.”

In January of 1996, a record-breaking snowfall was reported in Philadelphia with 31 inches of snow.

With the governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, declaring a state of emergency, thousands of flights have been canceled, and Virginia’s National Guard has a plan to bring 500 personnel on active duty in preparation of the blizzard, UPI reports.

“All Virginians should take the threat of this storm seriously and take necessary precautions now to ensure they are prepared for travel disruptions and possible power outages during a cold weather period.”

Fredericksburg Patch states that approximately two feet of snow is expected to fall in Virginia. Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne states that VDOT is well prepared with crews, material, and equipment to prepare the roads ahead of time, as well as throughout the storm. Layne urges drivers to stay off the roads, as they will be hazardous. For information on road conditions in the state of Virginia, call 511.

CBS Baltimore reports a state of emergency has been filed for Maryland by Governor Larry Hogan, who urges residents to be well prepared before the storm hits.

“All Virginians should take the threat of this storm seriously and take necessary precautions now to ensure they are prepared for travel disruptions and possible power outages during a cold weather period,”

A senior forecaster for the National Weather Service, Bruce Sullivan, says that Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are looking to be the “sweet spots” for life-threatening blizzard conditions.

Below are some ways to brace yourself and be best prepared for this winter storm.

• Only travel when absolutely necessary, and if you do have to travel, keep your distance between vehicles and travel with caution.
• Keep a travel kit in your car in case of an emergency such as jumper cables, warm clothing, non-perishable food, water, sand or cat litter, batteries, flash lights, cell phone chargers, and ice scrapers. Also, have a first aid kit available.
• It is urged that pets are brought inside during the winter storm.
• Check on the elderly, disabled, and your neighbors before the storm begins and be sure that everyone is well prepared for the next 72 hours in case of power outages or in case of road blocks.

In Virginia, please call 211 for the latest information during the storm. The hearing-impaired can call 711. If you are out of state, please dial 1-800-230-6977 for assistance.

[Photo by Lance King/Getty Images]