While out and about in Washington County, we’re walking in a winter wonderland!
Described as a “once in a lifetime” weather event, winter storm Enzo has brought historic amounts of unfamiliar snow to the front door steps of those living throughout the southern United States.
Locally, reports of up to 4 or more inches of snowfall accumulated on the ground from midday on Tuesday through the early overnight hours on Wednesday.
With start-of-day temperatures in the low-teens and a Wednesday predicted high mark in the mid-30’s, families will have most, if not all, of today to enjoy the snow – making snowmen, drawing snow angels, tossing snow balls, and creating snow-filled memories that aren’t easily found in the region.
On the flip side, families should also be overwhelmingly aware of the dangers brought by the slippery and icey snow, particularly as it concerns motorists.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is asking citizens to limit roadway activity to only absolute essential travel.
Wet, iced-over roads have made for extremely dangerous driving conditions.
Last night, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a handful of roll-over and overturned-vehicle traffic incidents caused by the motorist losing control of their cars on the icey asphalt.
In fact, statewide, the Georgia State Patrol (alone) responded to nearly 60 calls of crashes in an only 3-hour span from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
As announced on Monday, today will be a true snow day for students countywide.
Washington County Public Schools and Brentwood School cancelled classes for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Both educational institutions will make decisions today on whether classes will resume tomorrow.
Due to the treacherous travel conditions, most all Washington County businesses, including many gas stations, are closed to begin Wednesday – observing at least a delayed opening, if not remaining closed for the entirety of Wednesday.
With today’s temps not rising above the low-to-mid-30’s, officials are warning local individuals of the potential for snow and ice to remain on the ground and roads into Thursday.
Despite sunshine on Wednesday, the low temperatures may not offer enough to dry up the snowy precipitation. Evening and overnight conditions will offer re-freezing opportunities.
Nighttime temps will continue to drop below freezing for the remainder of this week, but a high of 40 degrees on Thursday is expected to resolve any ice-caused dangers.
As reported yesterday, remember the Five P’s of Winter Weather Preparedness during this extraordinary snow-filled event:
1.) Protect People: Stay warm, dry, and indoors when possible. Provide extra care to elderly neighbors.
2.) Protect Pets: Bring pets inside or make outdoor warmth arrangements for larger animals.
3.) Protect Plants: Cover cold-sensitive plants to help them survive dangerous temperatures.
4.) Protect Pipes: Cover outdoor pipes and allow faucets to slowly drip to prevent water from freezing and bursting the pipes. Remember that a pipe can still burst in the following hours, even after temps have returned to above freezing.
5.) Practice Fire Safety: Use only electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches. Keep heat sources at least three feet away from furniture and drapes. Only utilize generators outdoors and at least 20 feet from doors, windows, or vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Check and install a working carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm.
Fun Fact: How to Measure Snow … clearly not accustomed to measuring snow in our area, how do we total the amount today before it begins to disappear?
1.) Find a flat, unsheltered area away from buildings which cause drifts and bare spots. Avoid places under trees or elevated surfaces like a deck or patio.
2.) Use a ruler or yardstick. Stick it through the snow until you hit the ground.
3.) Ensure the measurement device is perpendicular to the ground. Make certain you are reading it from eye level, as looking down on it can create a different angle resulting in a wrong measurement.
4.) Take multiple readings to ensure accuracy. Then average those numbers together.
Photos Courtesy of David Brooker
