Winter Storm Warning February 2022: 'Multiple Hazards' Threaten 100 Million Americans -- What and How to Prepare

A severe winter storm threatens around 100 million people in the United States as it moves across the eastern portion of the country, according to the National Weather Service.

Meteorologist Jim Cantore reported on Thursday morning that Kansas and Missouri experienced a snowfall rate of 1 inch per hour.

The National Weather Service said that Kansas City had recorded a single-day record of seven inches of snowfall, breaking the previous record of six inches of snow in a day way back in 1893, per CBS News.

Snow is expected to fall across western and northern New York, and also up into Maine according to the winter storm warning.

Wind advisories are in effect for much of the Northeast, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, until Friday morning. According to the NWS, the mixed precipitation puts much of the Ohio Valley and the interior Northeast at danger of flash flooding.

The weather service also warned of snowfall more than 2 inches (5 cm,) per hour with winds up to 40 miles per hour (64 kph), which could significantly reduce road visibility.

Land And Air Travel Affected

Meanwhile, per Reuters, around 200 flights went in and out of O'Hare International Airport in Change while more than 270 were canceled their flights going and returning to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Airport. Filightaware.com reported that around 1000 flights were halted in the United States on Thursday.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul advised the residents of areas at-risk to the storm to prepare themselves to experience ice jam flooding.

NWS warned that it is dangerous to travel "once the feeling rain begins."Travel will become dangerous once the freezing rain begins," the weather agency said in a winter storm warning.

"Travelling is not allowed unless it is an emergency case," the NWS said. Untreated roads and bridges, sidewalks, and parking lots will be "unsafe."

Authorities advise the public to plan in preparation for the coming storm, especially for those who are dwelling in areas most likely to be hit by extreme weather conditions.

Plan to Prepare for The Storm

Whenever there's a looming winter storm or extreme cold, it is important to be keep updated on weather forecasts and track your supplies, including your emergency food and water supply in winter storm preparation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, weather forecasts can occasionally offer you many days' warning to prepare, even though we cannot predict extreme cold in advance.

If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector or find one online.

It is advisable to have your furnace system and vent checked by a qualified technician to ensure that they are working good.
Also, keep an easy-to-read thermometer in your house and put it somewhere easy to locate, especially if you have a relative over 65 years old. According to studies, older adults have more risk to health conditions brought by cold temperatures.

Bring your pets inside your house. If you are unable to bring them indoors, make sure they have adequate shelter and access to drinkable water.

Tags

National weather service, Winter storm, United States