FEMA Urges New England Residents to Prepare Now For Severe Winter Weather

Release date: February 7, 2013 Release Number: HQ-13-008 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges citizens and visitors to the Northeast or New England states to prepare now for an intense and potentially dangerous winter storm forecast for the area. FEMA’s partner, the National Weather Service, is warning of a major winter storm and blizzard for areas of New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon. Areas of Vermont and Maine are also under winter storm warnings. Blizzard conditions are extremely hazardous for travel and include sustained winds or frequent wind gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater, reduced visibility, and considerable snowfall and blowing snow. This snow will be wet and heavy and could lead to downed trees and power lines. Accompanying winds with this storm will be from the Northeast at 40-50 mph for many areas, with a potential for wind gusts up to 75 mph on Cape Cod and the offshore islands. Coastal flooding is possible along the Maine and Massachusetts coastlines and beach erosion is anticipated across the entire region. Residents or visitors to these areas should follow guidance issued by emergency officials and check with their local weather forecast office or www.weather.gov for the latest information, including additional watches and warnings. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are currently being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carrier networks. These alerts are sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service and are designed to get your attention and provide brief, critical instructions to warn about imminent threats like severe weather. More information on WEAs is available at www.Ready.gov. Now is the time for residents and visitors to the area to prepare for intense cold, limited travel options, and the possible loss of electrical power. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and car with supplies such as a NOAA weather radio, plenty of clean water, and non-perishable foods. Special items such as adequate clothing, warm boots and blankets to keep you warm, snow shovels and snow removal equipment, rock salt, flares, a cell phone charger, and a sleeping bag can save your life if you become stranded on the roads during a winter storm. Learn which items to include in an emergency kit at www.Ready.gov/build-a-kit.