Strong Winds Blow Into Central Ohio

CENTRAL OHIO—Ohio will be spared the heavy snow that hit the middle of the country, but a winter storm is expected to leave Ohio wind-whipped.

The National Weather Service has issued high-wind warnings for most of Ohio until 1 a.m. Thursday.

Storm Team 4 Chief Meteorologist Jym Ganahl said the massive storm has made its way into Central Ohio.

The storm gradually will pull away to the Northeast.

Some snow showers will come across at least the northern-half of Ohio as we go into the night Wednesday. Ganahl said accumulation only would be about a half-inch or so.

High winds continue throughout the night.

At midnight, you can expect some flurries.

Come morning, expect a frigid 18 degrees.

Sustained winds increased to 25 to 40 mph Wednesday afternoon.

Central Ohio saw the highest gusts around 4 p.m.

Ganahl said there wasn’t much behind the current storm. It’s just going to be cold.

Click here for driving safety tips as the winds whip on the roadways.

Click here for tips on how to take preventative measures to protect your property and to also review your insurance coverage in case a claim may need filed.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL OUTAGES
Columbus has reported several traffic signals are down because of power loss.

With high winds expected to continue into the evening, motorists should watch carefully for non-operational signals across central Ohio and remember to treat these signals as four-way stops.

The Ohio Turnpike has banned triple trailers and boat and horse trailers towed by passenger cars or pickups until 1 a.m. Thursday because of the high winds.

Storm Team 4 meteorologists continued to predict strong winds through early Thursday. Click here for your pinpoint forecast and winter-weather advisories.

OUTAGE PREP TIPS FROM AEP

AEP Ohio advised customers to be prepared for the potential for power outages depending on the severity of the wind effects across the state.

Customers should consider developing a plan of action to deal with the storm, such as having the necessary tools in the event they lose electric service and arranging for alternate shelter if an outage is prolonged.

AEP Ohio builds its lines in accordance with National Electric Safety Code (NESC) standards to withstand wind speeds of up to approximately 40 miles per hour.

One of the most common causes of outages during high-wind events is tree contacts with power lines and equipment.

One tree limb can knock out electric service to hundreds or even thousands of customers. Trees also can delay restoration of service that has been interrupted.

The following safety tips can help customers cope with outages:

- Prepare an emergency kit with flashlight(s), battery-powered lamp and fresh batteries, battery-powered radio or television, water for drinking and cooking, instructions for manually opening power-operated garage doors and a manual can opener.
- Never touch a downed wire. Always treat this situation as dangerous. Report downed power line conditions to 911 or AEP Ohio by phone or online as soon as possible.
- Disconnect (trip breaker in your electrical panel) major heating and cooling equipment circuits. In fact, leave just one or two lights switched “on” to let you know when power is restored. Once power is restored, turn on appliances gradually. Electric utilities can have problems with what is called “cold load pick-up” following outages as customer demand surges when service is restored.
- If the temperatures dip below freezing and the power outage is projected to last overnight or longer, consider moving to a shelter or in with friends or relatives who do have electricity.
- Check on family friends and neighbors who are elderly or may live alone.
- If you leave your house, protect your water pipes from freezing by turning the water off at the main shutoff valve and opening faucets to drain the water.

Customers are reminded that it is difficult to estimate restoration times for specific areas, especially while the storm is in progress.

WINTER WEATHER TIPS FROM THE RED CROSS
As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms:

- Assemble an emergency preparedness kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, water-resistant boots, extra blankets and extra warm clothing. Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first-aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.

- Heed storm warnings: A winter storm WATCH means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio or local radio or television stations. A winter storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately. 

- Prepare your home and car: Winterize your vehicle, and keep the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. Make sure your home is properly insulated by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Running water, even at a trickle, helps to prevent pipes from freezing. 

For more information on winter storm preparedness, contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross or visit http://www.redcross.org or http://www.cruzrojaamericana.org.

COLD-WEATHER TIPS FOR PETS FROM THE FRANKLIN COUNTY DOG SHELTER
These tips apply to both cats and dogs.
- If outside, elevate doghouse with door to protect from wind and weather.
- Provide dry, clean bedding materials, such as straw, and remove if/when wet.
- House should be large enough to stand and turn around in but small enough to retain body heat.
- Provide indoor dogs with sleeping area away from drafts.
- Keep pets away from bodies of water that may freeze but not enough to hold their weight.
- Clean paws of hair to prevent ice clinging.
- Clean paws after walks to clear ice and salt.
- Provide adequate fresh, unfrozen water.
- Keep your dog on a leash to prevent it from getting lost due to the loss of ability to smell.
- Keep identification tags up-to-date and on the pet.
- Keep puppies and older dogs inside as they are more susceptible to cold weather, just like humans.
- Keep pets away from antifreeze spills. Dogs like the sweet smell and taste, but it can be lethal in small amounts.
- Don’t leave pets alone in cars during cold weather. When the engine is off, a car can act like a refrigerator.

KEEPING YOUR HOLIDAY DECORATIONS SAFE
Worried about your holiday decorations staying up and in your own yard?

NBC 4 went to McCoy Landscaping’s Mike Clapper about what you can do to protect your decorations.

- Make sure all of your extension cords and lights are outdoor rated. If they are, they should withstand the elements without a problem.
- Lights on your roof and trees should also be OK in the wind. Clapper recommended using shingle tabs to secure lights on your house.
- In heavy wind, icicle lights probably will blow up onto the roof and will need to be flipped down with a long-handled broom.
- Clapper said wreaths probably will be OK if they’re secured with hooks and wire at as few as two points. If not, bring them inside.
- Yard decorations will be the biggest problem because they’re so lightweight. Unless they’re tethered to the ground, they also should be brought inside, especially inflatables.

For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.
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