Residents encouraged to prepare now for winter weather
by National Weather Service
September 27, 2010
The National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies are encouraging residents to use Winter Weather Awareness Day on Wednesday, October 6, to prepare for the upcoming winter. This day serves as an excellent opportunity for individuals, families, businesses, schools, and media outlets to review their winter preparedness plans. The National Weather Service encourages the development of preparedness plans and familiarization with the hazards associated with winter weather. Businesses, schools and local, state and federal government agencies should use this awareness day to test their own winter weather safety procedures.
October weather patterns can frequently provide warm, sunny days that give way to cold and snow a day, or just hours, later. "The early season storms can dramatically impact a weekend of hunting, especially if the hunting party is unprepared for the conditions," said Chris Jones, warning coordination meteorologist at the Riverton National Weather Service office. "Hunters should check the forecasts frequently in the days leading up to their trip. Their families should continue to monitor forecasts and possible advisories and warnings while their loved ones are hunting." Jones added that meteorologists at the Riverton office are available to answer forecast questions by calling 1-800-211-1448 anytime.
Residents are advised to equip their vehicles with an emergency preparedness kit and be prepared to delay travel plans if conditions warrant. If you become stranded, remain with your vehicle as it is the only certain source of protection from the elements. Snowmobilers, hunters, skiers, and other winter recreationists should check weather forecasts and prepare accordingly before departing. Become aware of upcoming hazardous winter weather by frequently checking the weather forecast and by using the theme, "Ready, Set, Go."
Ready – Start preparations early by monitoring National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlooks 7 days in advance. Potential hazardous winter weather will be outlined along with any uncertainty in the forecast.
Set - As confidence increases, watches will be issued to give you a heads up that you need to be prepared for the possibility of hazardous winter weather within the next 12 to 48 hours.
Go – Warnings and advisories will be issued when the National Weather Service is confident that a storm is or will soon produce hazardous winter weather. Take action if you are to be impacted by the extreme winter conditions.
For more information about Wyoming Winter Weather Awareness week, visit the National Weather Service website at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/cys/winterdayWY.php?wfo=riw
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