storm update, extended until 7 this evening.

Ice Storm Warning 

Expires 7:00 PM EST on December 23, 2013

Statement as of 3:03 PM EST on December 23, 2013

Ice Storm Warning now in effect until 7 PM EST this evening...

* ice accumulations... around one half of an inch... with locally

higher amounts of up to three quarters of an inch.

* Hazard types... freezing rain.

* Timing... the light freezing rain will continue through early

evening. It's possible that temperatures rise to just above

freezing at a few locations to allow for a change to plain

rain... especially near the coast.

* Impacts... freezing rain will cause ice to accumulate on most

surfaces. Roads and sidewalks will be very slippery and make

driving and walking difficult. Tree limbs and power lines will

likely see significant accumulations. Snapped limbs will pose a

danger to those outside and could lead to power outages. Travel

is expected to be difficult through this evening.

 

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

An Ice Storm Warning means severe winter weather conditions are

expected or occurring. Significant amounts of ice accumulations

will make travel dangerous or impossible. Travel is strongly

discouraged. Commerce will likely be severely impacted. If you

must travel... keep an extra flashlight... food... and water in your

vehicle in case of an emergency. Ice accumulations and winds will

likely lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches that

add to the danger.

During power outages... one of the greatest hazards is improper

use of generators. Portable generators must go outside... at

least 15 feet from windows or doors... to avoid life-threatening

Carbon monoxide (co) poisoning. Co gas can be deadly if it builds

up inside a home... garage... or basement. Have a co detector

with battery back-up where people sleep. Check detector

batteries. Do not use grills or Camp stoves indoors. Signs of co

poisoning are headache... nausea... vomiting... dizziness. Co can

cause loss of consciousness and death. If you suspect co

poisoning... get out of the house and call 911 at once.