MAJOR WINTER STORM TO AFFECT NORTH INDIA FROM TODAY.DOS AND DONT'S IN THE PERIOD

METD WEATHER

AKSHAY DEORAS

SEVERE WEATHER FORECASTER

LIKE MENTIONED IN THE PREVIOUS FORECAST, 

A Major Winter pattern is all set to hammer North India producing extreme snow accumulation in the higher reaches causing a lot of problems including threats of avalanche. Here is what people must remember

THINGS TO NOTE-
3rd Feb 2013- 
Snowfall initiates in Jammu and Kashmir in the higher reaches. It spreads across Himachal Pradesh,Uttaranchal over the night period and continuing later on as well whereas lower regions get rainfall. 

Punjab,Haryana may receive some showers due to it. 
Due to lower instability, convection is not expected and hence no thunderstorm

* Saurashtra also will receive light rains or a/two showers

4th Feb 2013
The system intensifies in the neighbouring nation and the result is that snowfall increases in J&K,HP,Uttaranchal,Nepal etc including Srinagar and tourists places around

* First Avalanche threat will develop for J&K Higher reaches.
* Snowfall will close the Jammu-Srinagar Highway also the already closed Leh-Srinagar highway

Rainfall also spreads southwards in North India. Thunderstorms expected in plains due to the developing instability

*Fog/Visibility problems for North India plains

Delhi-NCR, NE Rajasthan,Northern MP,Western UP etc to receive rains.



5th Feb 2013

** Avalanche threat will spread across Himachal,J&K .

** Very heavy snowfall will continue in the regions keeping the roads closed. Minor flight disruptions likely across Srinagar

* Rainfall will continue in North India plains with isolated thunderstorms and hailstorms as well with reduced maximum temperatures due to cloud cover and rains.

*Fog/Visibility problems for North India plains.

6th Feb-7th Feb 2013

Rainfall/Snowfall will decrease in North India. However due to high snow accumulations avalanche threat continues with fog in lower plains including SIACHEN GLACIER,Base Camp etc.

The system will then move away from India.

Thus due to very very heavy snowfall in J&K,Himachal and Uttaranchal the daily life will be hit hardly.

http://metdweather.blogspot.in/2013/02/potentially-major-storm-system-to.html

PREPARATIONS-

* PEOPLE LIVING IN HIGH ALTITUDE REGIONS SHOULD MAKE PROVISION OF FOOD/WATER ETC IN ADVANCE ITSELF WHICH WILL LAST TILL A WEEK,
* PEOPLE LIVING IN AVALANCHE PRONE AREA SHOULD EVACUATE BEFORE THE SNOWFALL STARTS AND MOVE TO SAFER PLACES
* PEOPLE TRAVELLING ON THE JAMMU-SRINAGAR HIGHWAY MUST PAY AN ATTENTION TO THE WEATHER/AUTHORITIES AND REACH PLACES OF ACCOMMODATION WELL IN ADVANCE. FOOD/WATER MUST BE KEPT WITH THE PEOPLE TRAVELLING BY ROAD
* DUE TO HIGH SNOW ACCUMULATIONS, PEOPLE MUST STOCK MEDICINES AS WELL
* PEOPLE LIVING IN FOG PRONE AREAS OF NORTH INDIA MUST USE FOG LAMPS FOR DRIVING. 

Via- ready.gov

THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE SNOW STARTS- 

Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:

• Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
  • Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Sand to improve traction.
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
  • Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
•  Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• Listen to a Weather Radio/Aakashvani or other local news channels for critical information from the IMD Officials. Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
•  TRAVELLING IN CAR-
• Things to be kept- 
• Update the emergency kits in your vehicles with:
• a shovel
• windshield scraper and small broom
• flashlight
• battery powered radio
• extra batteries
• water
• snack food
• matches
• extra hats, socks and mittens
• first aid kit with pocket knife
• necessary medications
• blanket(s)
• tow chain or rope
• road salt and sand
• DURING THE STORM,-

• 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 STRANDED IN CAR-
  
  
  

  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.

  
  

Akshay Deoras

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