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Winter Storms are similar in nature to summer type storms, except the outside temperature is usually at or below 32 degrees. Winter Storms are associated with low pressure weather systems that contain large amounts of precipitation, that move over extremely cold high pressure systems.
In Georgetown such systems rarely develop, but when they do the results can be both beautiful and challenging. The last significant system blessed Georgetown during Christmas of 1989, right after a summer visit from Hurricane Hugo. Many areas of Georgetown received snowfall in excess of 2 feet, and many people experienced their first White Christmas.
As these storm systems develop, they are difficult to predict. By their very nature they depend on outside temperatures to fall below 32 degrees, otherwise they are just cold rain storms. As these storms approach the coast, they often encounter air blowing inland from the ocean. Since ocean water is above freezing, the air is actually heated by the ocean and turns any possibly frozen precipitation into rain.
For snow or freezing rain to develop, the temperature of the cold air mass must be sufficiently cold enough to absorb the ocean heated air and maintain its temperature below 32 degrees. Even if frozen precipitation develops, it may not remain frozen if the ground is above 32 degrees.
Several other conditions relating to winter weather can develop. Freezing Rain is a condition where water vapor falling from a cloud system freezes as it falls on objects on the ground that are below 32 degrees. If both temperature and rainfall amounts remain constant, ice sickles begin to form on trees and power lines. More commonly known as an Ice Storm, the ice sickles continue growing until the weight of the ice overcomes the strength of the wires or tree limbs and they fall to the ground. Ice Storms can do double duty to the City’s Electrical System, bringing down wires, or dropping limbs or trees on wires. In either case, electrical interruptions are frequent and can some times require the complete reconstruction of one or more electrical feeder circuits.
What should you do during a Winter Storm?
Human nature and survival depends on heat. Sometimes we have a tendency to overstuff fire places and wood heaters. Avoid placing too much fuel in any fuel fired heater. Instead, dress warmer by layering your clothing with extra pants, shirts and coats.
If you cook with electricity you may want an alternative. Camp stoves and other small types of cooking equipment are generally suitable. Larger, charcoal grilles are not suitable for indoor cooking as they produce a lot of smoke and tremendous amounts of Carbon Monoxide, a dangerous poisonous gas.
If you heat with electricity you should use a fire place or other suitable heating device. Be careful using portable kerosene heaters. They can cause serious burns and actually start fires if not used properly. Kerosene heaters also give off tremendous amounts of Carbon Monoxide and should be use only with proper ventilation.
If you heat or cook with natural gas or propane, be sure to check with your gas company to see if they will operate properly without electricity. Some gas appliances require an electrical current for fuel flow control or ignition. |