Editor's Note: According to the National Weather Service out of Charleston, the Clarksburg/Bridgeport area will see rain showers prior to 11 p.m. Monday, changing over to a rain/snow mix between 11 p.m. and midnight. Thereafter, snow will fall as temperatures drop to about 29 degrees F. The chance of precipitation is 90 percent with total nighttime snow accumulation of one to two inches possible. Snow will continue into Tuesday with temperatures only reaching 30 degrees and northwest winds moving eight to 16 miles per hour. The chance of precipitation Tuesday is 80 percent with new snow accumulation of one to two inches possible. Tuesday evening, a chance of snow showers continues, temperatures dipping into the mid-teens and northwest winds at 14 to 16 miles per hour, gusting as high as 32 mph. The chance of precipitation Tuesday evening is 50 percent with little to no additional snow accumulation.
As of mid-Monday afternoon, forecasters are expecting four to six inches of snow in the North Central West Virginia area. Weather Service Charleston has already called a School Decision Makers Conference Call for this evening. Connect-Bridgeport will stay aprised of updated weather alerts and provide those updates to readers.
The National Weather Service out of Charleston reports that Winter Storm Stella will track up the East Coast this evening through Tuesday. The potential exists for moderate snowfall, accumulations depending upon the exact track and intensity of the system.
West Virginia counties of Harrison, Lewis, Braxton and Wyoming are under a winter weather advisory from 6 p.m. today through 2 a.m. Wednesday. A system traveling from Wyoming County north through Central to Northern West Virginia up to Harrison County is expected to produce moderate snowfall with potential accumulation of several inches of snow in the immediate area.
The best case scenario is no snow and the worst case scenario is 14 inches, only a 10 percent chance of the latter, said Laura Pysz, director of homeland security and emergency management.
“(The National Weather Service) really won’t know until tonight when the changeover occurs from rain to snow,” she said. “The main thing is to be prepared.”
Potential impacts include heavy snow, creating snow-covered roads and hazardous traveling conditions. Combined with winds potentially gusting up to 30 miles per hour, visibility could range from half mile to a mile at times.
Bridgeport City Engineer Beth Fox said the city is being proactive, preparing for the possible snowstorm.
“The city will have all spreaders and snowplows equipped and ready for the first call-out in the event of snow accumulation,” she said. “Our crews are scheduled to continuously maintain the roadways through rotating shifts. As always, we ask that the public take extra cautionary measures during their commutes during inclement weather.”
In the event of snowfall, residents can help with the preparation by keeping vehicles off the streets so trucks and snowplows can move through, Pysz said.
Pysz also offered the following tips for utmost preparation within neighborhoods and homes.
“Be prepared to take care of yourself, family, friends and neighbors. When we take care of each other, we are all fine,” she said. “Have extra necessary items such as medications, baby supplies and food that does not need preparation on hand.”
Should power outages occur, do not call 911 to report unless there is a fire or threat of fire or safety issue, Pysz said. Rather, report the outage to your power company.
FirstEnergy power outages can be reported at https://www.firstenergycorp.com/…/corp…/Contact_Centers.html or calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877). The automated system captures and records information and helps dispatchers pinpoint the power outage. The faster our dispatchers can identify the outage, the quicker your power can be restored.
FEMA offers the following tips
Before the Power Outage
•Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
•Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power. For more information visit: Get Tech Ready
•Charge cell phones and any battery powered devices.
•Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it.
•Purchase ice or freeze water-filled plastic containers to help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.
•Keep your car’s gas tank full-gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. If you use your car to re-charge devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close to a home, this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
•Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by visiting your state’s or local website so you can locate the closest cooling and warming shelters.
•If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or power dependent like a medical device determine a back-up plan. For more planning information tips visit: Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs
During the Power Outage
•Only use flashlights for emergency lighting, candles can cause fires.
•Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. For more information about food safety visit our food page.
•Take steps to remain cool if it is hot outside. In intense heat when the power may be off for a long time, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall or “cooling shelter” that may be open in your community. If you remain at home, move to the lowest level of your home, since cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
•Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility) that has heat to keep warm.
•Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.
•If you are considering purchasing a generator for your home, consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing.
•Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system.
After a Power Outage
•Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
•If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
•Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about medications having spoiled.
•Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries, canned foods and other supplies
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