Winter Storms
Introduction & Background
Heavy snow, ice storms and extreme cold can cause severe property damage and also put human and animal lives at risk. Accurate predicting of winter storms can help people prepare by making sure they have adequate fuel, food and water on hand, but an unexpected change in wind direction can result in a major snowfall in a very localized region. In New York, this is often referred to as lake-effect snow because it generally involves geographic areas near Lake Erie or Lake Ontario.
There are a number of resources available to increase your awareness of potential snow and ice storms. Local and regional weather reports through television, radio or web media will provide forecasts and current conditions. For a more national weather outlook, visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.
Preparedness Resources
As winter approaches, there are several important steps that individuals and families can take to prepare for storms and the possibility of having to shelter-in-place. The following resources provide information on being prepared and keeping safe during the long winter months ahead.
Winter Safety is a guide for winter preparedness and survival developed jointly by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County and the Warren County Disaster Preparedness Office.
The New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) has safety tips for winter available on its website. SEMO has also prepared a fact sheet with information on dealing with freezing conditions.
The American Red Cross also has an excellent guide on winter storm safety.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a good resource for winter and extreme cold preparedness information. The website provides guidelines on what to do before, during and after a winter storm.
Safety Issues
Electrical power outage is often a result of heavy snow or ice storms. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website provides information on power outage issues including food safety, carbon monoxide poisoning and downed power line hazards. This website information can be accessed at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/poweroutage/needtoknow.asp
Safe Operation of Emergency Generators is a fact sheet developed at Cornell University by safety specialists which provides recommendations for safe residential and farm use of generators during power outage situations.
The U.S. Fire Administration has created a one-page fact sheet which provides basic safety information on the use of portable generators in emergencies.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can result from operation of gasoline powered engines (generators) without proper ventilation and may lead to death. The CDC also provides indepth information on the prevention of CO poisoning.
Long term power outages may offer the potential for mold growth. Information on dealing with mold issues and removal has been developed by the Dept. of Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell University.
Many people may try to remove tree limbs or downed trees after a storm using chain saws. The University of Missouri provides a fact sheet on the safe use of chain saws.
Recovery Resources: Roofs on Barns and Houses
Snow loading which is the downward force exerted on structures by the weight of accumulated snow, may result in damage to roofs or the actual collapse of the roof itself. In addition to snow accumulation there are other conditions that may contribute to snow loading problems and the potential for roof collapse: (1) adding insulation to the roof without proper ventilation may cause condensation and eventual rotting of the rafters or deck; (2) re-roofing with three or more layers of shingles; (3) not correcting observable symptoms of structural problems. The following resources are available:
Poor attic ventilation can result in condensation problems and ice dams and lead to extensive damage to home roofs.
Heavy Snow Loads - Cornell University, PRO-DAIRY program.
Another source is a 1999 analysis on barn roof collapses in New York State.
Recovery Resources: Trees
During the 1990's, several ice storms in the northeast resulted in severe damage to trees and crops that were not yet harvested. The following links will provide information on assessing damage to trees, recovering and re-planting.
Homeowners and Communities
Recovery of Ice-Storm Damaged Trees (#9013) - University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
The National Arbor Day Foundation provides a storm recovery kit for use by home owners and communities. This kit addresses issues such as: Can These Trees Be Saved?, Tree First Aid, and Watch Out for Scam Artists.
Information on caring for ice-damaged trees has been developed by the University of Illinois.
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has resources on immediate care for storm damaged trees.
University of Massachusetts has developed a fact sheet on tree care and recovery after storms.
The Tree Emergency Manual for Public Officials was developed by the Community Forest Education Project of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County with a grant from the USDA Forest Service, NE Region through the University of Massachuetts.
The Community Forestry Program at Cornell University provides an informational clearing house website to assist in urban tree managment including conducting a tree inventory and resources for the care of storm damaged trees.
An arborist is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for and maintaining individual trees. This expert can provide services in emergency tree care, removal, pruning and planting of individual trees. To find a certified tree arborist, visit the International Society of Arboriculture's website: http://www.isa-arbor.com . In the menu, click on "Find a certified arborist".
Forests and Maple Sap Production
Three resources available from the University of New Hampshire that address winter storm damage: the sugar bush, injury affects on hardwood quality, and silvicultural approaches for managing stands.
The USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station provides two resources that may be useful for forest managers after ice/winter storms: Tree Survival and Growth Following Ice Storm Injury and A First Look at Tree Decay.