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Region Survives Storm with Few ProblemsStaff reports - December 16, 2007
Despite a major winter storm that dumped a layer of snow and ice on the Northeast during the wee hours of Sunday morning, the Berkshires and Southern Vermont survived the storm practically unscathed.
Though a snow emergency was declared in Pittsfield for the weekend and into Monday, much of the Northern Berkshire area managed to avoid the worst parts of the winter weather. Plows continued clearing roadways throughout the day and no accidents were reported in Adams, North Adams, Williamstown, Pittsfield or Southern Vermont.
"It's slippery but nobody has been out there traveling. Everybody stayed in," said Sgt. James Burdick, of the North Adams Police Department, on Sunday morning.
"A few cars slid off the road but nothing major in our area," said a spokesman for the Vermont State Police barracks in Shaftsbury.
Power outages across the region were minimal, but the most damage hit Bennington and Rutland counties in Vermont, which includes Pownal, when high winds felled several trees. A Central Vermont Public Service representative said up to 10 crews were working to return power to the area by the late evening.
Because of a tree knocked down on East Road, residents in Stamford, Vt., lost power for several hours this morning, before it was restored just after 7 a.m.
As more snow is expected to wallop the Northeast this evening and into the morning, several winter weather warnings have been issued, cautioning motorists to stay off the roads and urging citizens to be aware of health risks when shoveling heavy snow.
North Adams has issued a snow emergency, meaning no cars can be parked on city streets until after 7 a.m. Monday.
According to the Weather Channel's Web site, snow is likely to fall again through the evening with a chance of snow showers throughout the morning. The Northern Berkshires have also been named as an area in danger of significant ice accretion because of freezing rain. The total accumulation is estimated at 3 to 6 inches and a winter storm warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Monday.
Vermont Emergency Management offers these tips for being safe during extreme winter weather:
Safety tips:
- Residents should use caution when digging out from any storm. Excessive snow shoveling can cause a range of health problems, from back injuries to heart attack, if not done in moderation. Citizens should not over exert themselves and take frequent breaks from shoveling.
- If power is lost and you run a generator, it is important that the generator is outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; an improperly operated generator can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. 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. If you suspect that you are experiencing CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department for assistance from a safe location.
- If you get stuck in deep snow while driving, do NOT let your engine idle if your exhaust pipe is buried. Idling with a buried exhaust pipe can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect that you are experiencing CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately.
Other tips for the road
- Check road and weather conditions before leaving.
- Avoid traveling unless necessary and always allow yourself extra time to get to your destination.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition with snow tires and winter windshield wiper blades.
- Watch for and expect changing road conditions, black ice, blowing snow, high winds or whiteout conditions can appear when you least expect them to.
- The single most important rule is to drive at a speed that matches the prevailing visibility, traffic and road conditions. The posted speed limits are for dry, clear conditions only.
- Be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra room, extend the following distance from other vehicles ahead.
- If your car doesn't make it to your destination, pull as far off the road as possible, to minimize any further traffic hazards, and stay in the car. Even a short walk in winter storm conditions can be dangerous.
- Carry a cell phone and use 911 in case of an emergency, but do not become overdependent on a cell phone.
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