Vermont is preparing for a significant snowstorm affecting the Northeast that could dump more than a foot of snow on southern counties. The snow will start Monday afternoon and the heaviest snowfall is expected overnight Monday into Tuesday.
“This isn’t the first winter storm of the season here in Vermont as it is for other parts of the northeast,” Governor PeterShumlin said. “Nonetheless, parts of Vermont, especially southern counties, could see more than a foot of snow. We are prepared and will closely monitor conditions over the next few days. Vermonters know how to deal with winter weather, and I encourage everyone to use good Vermont common sense over the next few days.”
VTrans will be deploying as soon as the snow begins and will have more than 250 trucks on the road for the morning commute and as the storm peaks.However, the average plow route runs two hours which means there will be times when roads are snow-covered.Drivers should use caution during the storm, slowing down and allowing extra room between their car and the vehicle in front of them. Motorists are asked to please give plow drivers extra room to work and be aware that visibility can be further reduced in the area immediately around an active plow truck.
The Vermont Emergency Operations Center will open at Partial Activation starting at noon today to monitor the storm and assist towns that may need resources.Staff from other pertinent state agencies will be activated if needed.
ASSISTANCEFairPoint Provides Telecom Preparedness Tips FairPoint's network is backed up by generators and batteries to help minimize network outages, but FairPoint's emergency planning team is also positioning crews and supplies – poles, cable and other equipment – for rapid deployment should they be needed. "Our workforce is ready for this storm, however, we appreciate our customers’ patience during the storm and any resulting recovery efforts as our employees focus on safety, especially as road conditions and visibility worsen,” said spokeswoman Angelynne Beaudry. Cordless phones and all modems will not work if the electric power goes out, absent battery back-up. “People should plan for the possibility of power interruptions and use their plug-in corded phone to stay connected with friends and family or call for help if the need arises,” Beaudry said. FairPoint recommends the following: · Locate a traditional landline phone – corded, not cordless. Landline telephone service works even during a loss of commercial power, keeping you connected to family, friends and emergency personnel. Cordless phones do not work during a power outage. · Keep your FairPoint phone book handy in case you can’t access phone numbers electronically. · Fully charge your cell phone. · DO NOT TOUCH or move downed phone or power lines, or anything in contact with those lines. You cannot tell whether a line is electrified or not. · If you lose service, please use the following methods to contact us: o Telephone Repair: 1-866-984-1611 or via our online form available on www.FairPoint.com or on our customer portal at www.MyFairPoint.com. o Internet Repair: 1-800-240-5019 or chat with us online. A link to our live chat functionality is available on www.FairPoint.com or on our customer portal at www.MyFairPoint.com. |
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Rutland, Orange, and all counties to the south for this afternoon and tonight. There is also a Winter Weather Advisory for Addison, Washington, Caledonia, and Essex counties. Cold temperatures will also continue.
Vermonters should check their local forecast to see what they may expect for snow and wind conditions in their area. The National Weather Service in Albany (www.weather.gov/aly) forecasts for Bennington and Windham counties, and the National Weather Service in Burlington (www.weather.gov/btv) forecasts for the remainder of the state.
The snow is a welcome sight for those who enjoy outdoor winter pursuits, but these conditions will for a time create hazards on roads and at home.A few things to keep in mind during this and all storms:
Be a good neighbor– Check in on elderly or other neighbors who may need assistance.
Don’t overdo it– When clearing snow take frequent breaks. Shoveling is strenuous work and can lead to a number of health problems ranging from a back injury to cardiac issues. Dress properly for conditions to avoid frostbite or hypothermia.
Check heating vents– Snow can cover vents – particularly those that are low to the ground. Blocked vents can cause deadly carbon monoxide (CO) to enter the home. CO is colorless and odorless and can cause injury or death. All homeowners are advised to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home and to get out and call for help if it sounds. Symptoms of CO poisoning include lethargy and nausea. If you use a generator, use it outside away from the home.
Check forecast and conditions before heading out– If you have to head out, drive appropriately for conditions. Slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to allow for extra braking distance. Clear all snow from your car so your visibility is not impded and you don’t present a hazard to other drivers.
Make sure all exits are clear of snow– Particularly in public buildings, it is important all egresses are clear in case they are needed in emergency.
Vermont Alert can send weather and other updates directly to users. Account holders can have information about their area sent directly to their e-mail box or mobile phone or both – whichever they chose. Sign up for an account athttp://vtalert.govand click the appropriate link on the left side of the page.
Updates on roads, weather conditions, or any other issues can be found on the following sites:
VT DEMHS on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement
VT DEMHS on Twitter: @vemvt …https://twitter.com/vemvt
Vermont 511 on Twitter: @511vt …https://twitter.com/511VT
VTrans on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/VTrans/143848835653728
Vermont State Police on Twitter: @VTStatePolice …https://twitter.com/VTStatePolice
Vermont State Police on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice
NWS Burlington:https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Burlington.govon Facebook or @NWSBurlington on Twitter
NWS Albany:https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Albany.govon Facebook or @NWSAlbany on Twitter
Weather and other resources:
National Weather Service Albany (Forecast office for Bennington and Windham counties):http://www.weather.gov/aly
National Weather Service Burlington (Rest of Vermont):http://www.weather.gov/btv
Road conditions:www.511vt.com
Other resource needs: 2-1-1