All articles tagged with #weather and safety
Southern California faces its first major Santa Ana wind event of the season, peaking Thursday and Friday with gusts up to 70 mph. Red-flag warnings cover Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to dry vegetation and low humidity. Public safety power shutoffs are anticipated for over 220,000 customers, while coastal areas face heat illness risks from temperatures in the 90s.
The Racefaster Half Marathon in Paramus, New Jersey, proceeded on Sunday despite severe flash flooding, forcing approximately 250 runners to wade through waist-deep water. The event, which started two hours late at 10 a.m., saw participants navigate submerged trails and cling to railings near the Saddle River. While no injuries were reported, the decision to continue the race drew criticism from participants who noted the lack of cancellation notices despite active flood alerts.
Xcel Energy may temporarily shut off power to high fire risk areas in Colorado's Front Range due to high winds and dry conditions, aiming to prevent fires amid a red flag warning, with preparations underway by local schools and institutions.
23 skiers and snowboarders were rescued from the Vermont backcountry amid deadly temperatures after being reported missing, with first responders braving freezing conditions to locate and bring them to safety. The rescue effort took place amidst a blast of arctic air that caused temperatures to drop into the single digits across much of the Plains, Midwest, and Northeast. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of snow sports, with industry experts emphasizing the importance of being aware of adverse weather conditions and other potential risks while engaging in winter recreation.
Twenty-three skiers and snowboarders were rescued in frigid temperatures in Killington, Vermont after becoming lost in the backcountry, with search and rescue crews using various methods to bring them back to safety. The group was warmed up in rescuers' vehicles, and two additional lost skiers were also found and brought to safety. The rescuers, including volunteers from Killington Search and Rescue and the Killington Resort Ski Patrol, were commended for their efforts.
Several states, including Ohio, have reported snowplow-involved crashes this winter, with at least 13 incidents in Ohio alone. Despite efforts to keep roadways safe, crashes involving snowplows have resulted in fatalities in states such as New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that wintry weather plays a role in over 1 million crashes annually, with researchers attributing most snowplow-related crashes to operator errors. State officials urge drivers to use caution, stay alert for snowplows, and maintain a safe distance behind them during winter weather conditions.
The Portland Water Bureau is responding to a high volume of water main breaks as temperatures rise above freezing, advising customers on steps to protect their pipes and property, including leaving cabinets open, keeping faucets dripping, and covering outdoor faucets. They also recommend knowing the location of the emergency water shut-off valve and storing emergency water. Residents experiencing a main break should immediately close the water shut-off valve and turn off the water heater, and can call a 24-hour emergency dispatch line for assistance. It's important to be aware of whose responsibility it is to repair a broken main, as it depends on the location, and resources for making the repair can be found on the City of Portland’s website.
As the United States braces for freezing temperatures, it's important to remove certain items from your car to prevent damage. Medications like insulin, canned food, instruments, bottled liquids, handheld electronics, glasses, aerosol cans, and even gasoline can be negatively impacted by extreme cold. Additionally, eggs and emergency tools like scrapers and brushes should be brought inside to avoid potential damage or inconvenience.