WINTER WEATHER ALERT: Winter Storm Warning For Parts Of MA, CT, RI Saturday

WINTER WEATHER ALERT: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island - Winter Storm Warnings are out according to National Weather Service as the first snow storm of season starts tomorrow for Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island.

National Weather Service Statements:

Windham CT-Northern Worcester MA-Central Middlesex MA-
Western Essex MA-Eastern Essex MA-Southern Worcester MA-
Western Norfolk MA-Southeast Middlesex MA-Suffolk MA-
Northern Middlesex MA-Northwest Providence RI-Western Kent RI-
Including the cities of Putnam, Willimantic, Barre, Fitchburg,
Framingham, Lowell, Lawrence, Gloucester, Milford, Worcester,
Foxborough, Norwood, Cambridge, Boston, Ayer, Foster, Smithfield,
Coventry, and West Greenwich

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM SATURDAY TO 7 AM EST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions.
  Total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches are expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northern Connecticut, central, eastern and
  northeastern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island. This
  includes the city of Boston.

* WHEN...From 4 AM Saturday to 7 AM EST Sunday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for significant reductions in
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are expected. If you must travel, keep an extra
flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an
emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Winter Weather Advisories are still issued for the areas shaded in purple, pink for Winter Storm Warning.

WINTER WEATHER ALERT: First Snow Of The Season Brings Winter Weather Advisories CT, RI, MA, Except Cape

WINTER WEATHER ALERT: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island  - Due to predicted snow in the forecast this weekend brings out winter weather advisories for Massachusetts, except the cape, Connecticut, Rhode Island from the National Weather Service.

National Weather Service Statement:

Hartford CT-Tolland CT-Windham CT-Western Franklin MA-
Eastern Franklin MA-Northern Worcester MA-Central Middlesex MA-
Western Essex MA-Eastern Essex MA-Western Hampshire MA-
Western Hampden MA-Eastern Hampshire MA-Eastern Hampden MA-
Southern Worcester MA-Western Norfolk MA-Southeast Middlesex MA-
Suffolk MA-Eastern Norfolk MA-Northern Bristol MA-
Western Plymouth MA-Eastern Plymouth MA-Southern Bristol MA-
Southern Plymouth MA-Northern Middlesex MA-
Northwest Providence RI-Southeast Providence RI-Western Kent RI-
Eastern Kent RI-Bristol RI-Washington RI-Newport RI-
Including the cities of Hartford, Windsor Locks, Union, Vernon,
Putnam, Willimantic, Charlemont, Greenfield, Orange, Barre,
Fitchburg, Framingham, Lowell, Lawrence, Gloucester,
Chesterfield, Blandford, Amherst, Northampton, Springfield,
Milford, Worcester, Foxborough, Norwood, Cambridge, Boston,
Quincy, Taunton, Brockton, Plymouth, Fall River, New Bedford,
Mattapoisett, Ayer, Foster, Smithfield, Providence, Coventry,
West Greenwich, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Warwick, Bristol,
Narragansett, Westerly, and Newport

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM SATURDAY TO 7 AM
EST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions. Total
  snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are expected. There is also
  a low probability for a few places in the central hills of
  Massachusetts and Rhode Island to see isolated 7 or 8 inch
  amounts.

* WHERE...Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts away from
  the Cape and Islands.

* WHEN...From 4 AM Saturday to 7 AM EST Sunday. Highest snow
  accumulations should occur Saturday morning into the evening
  hours.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for reduced visibilities at
  times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will
cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

BEST OF 2913: USS Constitution In The Snow.

USS Constitution in the snow.

USS Constitution in the snow.

FIRST SNOW DAY FOR PANDA CUB!

Tuesday, March 19, starting at 7 a.m., we are preparing for snow in the panda exhibits. We are very excited and thankful to all the panda fans who donated money to give this wonderful enrichment to our giant pandas. I am sure we will see you at 9 a.m. sharp in person or starting around 8 a.m. on the Panda Cam!
It’s a bit of a process to actually make snow and put it in the exhibits. We have a truck that comes in and is specially designed to turn large ice blocks into snow. There are large hoses that we can hold and deliver (spray) snow into the entire panda exhibit. Snow will be blown into Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu’s north exhibit and into Gao Gao’s exhibit in the main viewing area.

Sadly, Yun Zi’s new tree will not be done in time (due to a couple of days of rain), and he will stay housed next to Bai Yun and Mr. Wu for a few more days. But don’t fret! Yun Zi will be getting snow, too, and we will make sure he has a mound of it to play in.

We are all excited to see how brave Mr. Wu is and what his first reaction will be when he puts his paws in it. Hopefully, it will be a wonderful play day for both bears and guests!

Jennifer Becerra is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.

Here’s Zhen Zhen when she saw her first snow:

USS Constitution In The Snow.

USS Constitution in the snow.

USS Constitution in the snow.

Blizzard Survival Reminders

Blizzard Survival Reminders
Doug Mills
RCN America Network
World and National News

No one expects to be trapped in a life or death situation.  But, when extrem weather hits and the unthinkable happens it is the prepared who survive.  With the National service calling for what could be the worst blizzard since the late 70's it can't hurt to take a few minutes to be ready in case we fimd ourselves or a someone else in an emergency situation this weekend.


During Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Stay indoors during the storm.
Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

Dress for the Weather
If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat. A hat will prevent loss of body heat.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

Stranded in a Vehicle

If a blizzard traps you in the car:
Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
Eat regularly and drink ample fluids to avoid dehydration, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat, and radio - with supply.
Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
Leave the car and proceed on foot - if necessary - once the blizzard passes.

Blizzard Watch Friday

Gale Warning
	Small Craft Advisory
	Coastal Flood Watch
	Blizzard Watch
	Hurricane Force Wind Watch
	Winter Storm Watch
	Storm Watch
	Hazardous Weather Outlook

Blizzard Watch

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
425 AM EST THU FEB 7 2013

...A POTENTIAL HISTORIC WINTER STORM AND BLIZZARD IS EXPECTED TO
DROP 1 TO 2 FEET OF SNOW ACROSS MUCH OF THE REGION FRIDAY INTO
SATURDAY...

MAZ005>007-013>018-RIZ001>004-071730-
/O.CON.KBOX.BZ.A.0001.130208T1200Z-130209T2100Z/
CENTRAL MIDDLESEX MA-WESTERN ESSEX MA-EASTERN ESSEX MA-
WESTERN NORFOLK MA-SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX MA-SUFFOLK MA-
EASTERN NORFOLK MA-NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-
NORTHWEST PROVIDENCE RI-SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI-WESTERN KENT RI-
EASTERN KENT RI-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FRAMINGHAM...LOWELL...LAWRENCE...
GLOUCESTER...FOXBORO...NORWOOD...CAMBRIDGE...BOSTON...QUINCY...
TAUNTON...BROCKTON...FOSTER...SMITHFIELD...PROVIDENCE...
WEST GREENWICH...WARWICK
425 AM EST THU FEB 7 2013

...BLIZZARD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH
SATURDAY AFTERNOON...

* LOCATIONS...MUCH OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AS WELL AS NORTHERN
  AND CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND. THIS INCLUDES THE BOSTON TO
  PROVIDENCE CORRIDOR.

* HAZARD TYPES...HEAVY SNOW WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR BLIZZARD
  CONDITIONS.

* ACCUMULATIONS...SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 18 TO 24 INCHES.

* TIMING...LIGHT SNOW DEVELOPS BY FRIDAY MORNING. SNOW WILL
  INCREASE IN INTENSITY DURING FRIDAY AFTERNOON. THE HEAVIEST
  SNOW WILL OCCUR FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY MORNING.

* IMPACTS...HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG WINDS WILL BRING THE POTENTIAL
  FOR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS. THE WORST OF THE STORM WILL BE FRIDAY
  NIGHT INTO SATURDAY MORNING. SNOWFALL RATES OF 2 TO 3 INCHES
  PER HOUR POSSIBLE. TRAVEL MAY BECOME NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE WITH
  BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW.

* WINDS...NORTHEAST 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 55 MPH.

* VISIBILITIES...ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES.

* TEMPERATURES...IN THE MID 20S.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A BLIZZARD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR CONSIDERABLE
FALLING AND/OR BLOWING SNOW WITH SUSTAINED WINDS OR FREQUENT
GUSTS OVER 35 MPH AND VISIBILITIES BELOW 1/4 MILE FOR AT LEAST
3 HOURS. WHITE OUT CONDITIONS WILL BE POSSIBLE...MAKING TRAVEL
VERY DANGEROUS.  BE PREPARED TO ALTER ANY TRAVEL PLANS.