The impacts of today’s heavy wet snowfall are being felt in most areas of Vermont. Tens of thousands of utility customers are without power, and travel will continue to be hazardous.
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The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for all of Vermont from now until Wednesday morning. Travel will be hazardous throughout the storm as snow continues and winds blow snow over roadways, impacting visibilities for drivers.
Due to the storm intensifying in a wider geographic area, the Vermont Emergency Operations Center was partially activated Tuesday afternoon to assist towns and utilities with resource needs and other support. Utilities expect restoration to take more than a day, in some areas. For restoration estimates or to report an outage please communicate with your electric utility.
Tens of thousands of homes are without electric service, and many are likely to be overnight and into tomorrow and beyond, particularly in the southern half of the state. If you need a warm place to go please call 2-1-1.
Vermonters are encouraged to take precautions during and after the snowfall.
- For weather, road, or emergency updates sent directly to your e-mail or cell phone sign up for Vermont Alert at http://www.vtalert.gov.
- Plan travel accordingly taking forecasts into consideration. For state road conditions you can visit https://newengland511.org/. If you do travel give road crews plenty of room to operate – don’t crowd the plow!
- Check on vulnerable neighbors before, during, and after the storm to ensure they have provisions, heat, and are doing well.
- Be mindful of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure, it can be fatal. The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to flu, but without the fever and may include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. Leave the building and call for help if you suspect CO poisoning. Common sources during the winter season include:
- Blocked heating vents. Ensure they are clear of snow, particularly those that are at ground level.
- If you lose power and use a generator, use it outside, away from windows or doors. Don’t even use it in the garage, CO can still drift into living areas.
- Do not use alternate heating sources, many can emit CO.
- Have you checked your smoke and CO detectors lately? This is a good time to do it.
- Excessive snow shoveling can cause a range of health problems, from back injuries to heart attack, if not done in moderation. Don’t overexert yourself and take frequent breaks from shoveling: https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/climate/winter-weather
- If you lose power and need a place to warm up call either your town or Vermont 211 to find warming centers or shelters – if there are any.
State road information: https://newengland511.org/
Forecast information: www.weather.gov/btv or www.weather.gov/aly.
Social Media:
VEM: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement/ and https://twitter.com/vemvt
VT State Police: https://www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice/ and https://twitter.com/VTStatePolice
VT Division of Fire Safety: https://www.facebook.com/VTFireMarshal and https://twitter.com/VTFireMarshal
NWS Burlington: https://www.facebook.com/NWSBurlington/ and https://twitter.com/NWSBurlington
NWS Albany: https://www.facebook.com/NWSAlbany/ and https://twitter.com/NWSAlbany
VT Agency of Transportation: https://www.facebook.com/VTransontheroad/ and https://twitter.com/AOTVermont
VT Department of Health: https://www.facebook.com/HealthVermont/ and https://twitter.com/healthvermont
