Winter season is just around the corner, and this year, Met Office has anticipated major snowing in regions across the United Kingdom. Here are some precautions to take if you are a resident of the United Kingdom.
* For those who live in northern New England, winter weather is a part of life from November through early April. We haven’t seen snow yet this season, but snow is or will be in the forecast soon. Snow, sleet, freezing rain, and frigid temperatures will soon be common occurrences.
While most of the time, these weather elements are only a nuisance to our daily routines, at times, they can produce hazardous or life-threatening situations for those who are not prepared or do not take the proper precautions.
* In Maine and New Hampshire, regular snowfall averages from 50 to 75″ along the coast but gradually increases as you move inland to more than 200″ in the mountains. The lesser amounts in coastal areas are partly a result of a frequent change-over to sleet, freezing rain or rain during well-developed winter storms. To those driving or walking, this mix of precipitation can be even more dangerous than snow. Even light accumulations of freezing rain can cause disastrous driving conditions.
* Winter weather hazards are numerous, but the most significant concern is winter travel. Thousands of vehicle accidents occur annually, with icy roads and low visibility contributing factors. A disruptive second winter hazard is heavy wet snow and ice accretion.
This can destroy the power grid due to downed trees and power lines. A third hazard is extreme cold, which can cause frostbite and building damage caused by frozen pipes. A fourth winter hazard is coastal flooding during storms that cause battering surf and storm surges. Other winter hazards include damaging winds that cause power outages and river flooding during mid-winter thaws.
* Almost all winter hazards can occur within the same storm when a Nor’easter impacts the region. If you are a newcomer to New England, it will take a little while to hear the word Nor’easter in general conversation. A Nor’easter can strike from fall through spring but tend to be strongest during winter.
* The attached graphics show how frequent winter storm warnings and advisories are issued in the Gray Weather Forecast area of responsibility from year to year.
In addition, the average yearly snowfall map has been updated with the newest climate normals.
