Potential 'Frankenstorm' Could Impact Region Next Week
Posted
Jason Shaw
Weather forecasters are discussing the effects of Hurricane Sandy colliding with a cold front and a winter storm system from the West early next week. The result could be what forecasters are calling a "Frankenstorm." While there are no definite forecasts yet, such a storm could produce steady gale-force winds, heavy rain, flooding and snow starting Sunday and stretching past Halloween on Wednesday according to government scientists. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the area could see the equivalent of several inches of snow or rain in the mid-Atlantic, depending on where the storm comes ashore. Meteorologists are saying that there is a 90% chance that the East will see the effects of this hybrid storm. "We don't have many modern precedents for what the models are suggesting," NOAA forecaster Jim Cisco told the Associated Press.
Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue Public Information Specialist Kim Y. Hylander urges residents to be prepared for the potential onslaught.
"Within the past few years, Virginians have been experiencing severe weather of all types; everything from a Derecho, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, and hurricanes to heavy and often crippling snowfalls," she said. "Planning ahead is the key to increasing chances of survival during an emergency." She advises people to have access to reliable information by having a NOAA weather radio and registering with PWCAN, the County’s emergency notification system. Families should also prepare emergency plans that include designating an interior room with few windows and doors as a safe-room, selecting an out-of-town emergency contact, and choosing a gathering place outside of the home, she said. Fire and rescue officials also said people should have an emergency supply kit which, should have nonperishable food, water, medications, flashlights and a first aid kit, among other things.
Keywords
bristow,
featured,
frankenstorm,
hurricane-sandy,
news,
noaa,
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