Winter Storm Leon Paralyzes South, Residents Trapped In Cities, Methane Explosion From Unusual Source Possible

Before It’s News – by Deborah Dupre

Update: Jan. 28, 11:30 A.M. EST

Winter Storm Leon has “paralyzed” the Deep South, the Weather Channel says.

The threat of loss of power looming for some is already a reality in the Mid West where propane has been depleted.  

Warnings, such as one by Cleco Energy Co. in Louisiana, are being issued about possible downed power lines that are energized and present safety hazards.

Buildup of ice on highways and roads is leading to closures or difficulty accessing certain key cities in Louisiana.

“The first closure reported was the Audubon Bridge between West Feliciana and Pointe Coupee Parishes, about 110 miles northwest of New Orleans,” reports the Times Picayune. “Next came the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge [the only bridge] between Baton Rouge and Lafayette.

“Interstate 10 at the junction of Interstate 49 in Lafayette was closed because of icy conditions shortly after 8 a.m., with traffic being detoured north on I-49 to US 190.”

Should there be a petrochemical explosion or dangerous chemical leak, hundreds of thousands of residents would be trapped.

A tractor-trailer labeled as carrying hazardous material overturned at about 8:30 a.m. at milepost 40 on I-49 between Opelousas and Alexandria, Louisiana. State troopers say “only residue” [radiation residue? Dangerous fracking residue?] was inside the truck’s totes and posed no public-safety threat or traffic impact.

At 9:15 a.m., troopers closed I-49 in both directions between mileposts 40 and 46 ”because of ice on the roadway,” they said..

Louisiana has already closed the major artery from a swath of oil and gas refineries into Baton Rouge.

New Orleans officials presented the following news to residents, telling people to saty off the roads:

Leon Could Cause Methane Explosion From Unusual Source

During the unprecedented Winter Storm Leon, people are advised to protect animals by keeping them in warm shelters.

That could prove to be dangerous, however, according to new reports.

90 farting cows caused an explosion in a German dairy farm, blowing the roof off and injuring one of the animals.

A “static electric charge caused the gas to explode with flashes of flames,” police in the central German town of Rasdorf told reporters. (Reuters) One cow was treated for burns.

Speaking of flatulence, even during worst times, it’s important to pause for the lighter side of genocide, as Vinny Eastwood calls life today and his show. Here’s a repeat of Deer Fart.

Photo Credit: Fire Earth

Update: Jan. 28, 10:00 A.M. EST

Winter Storm Leon, that officials are calling ”unprecedented,” and “not a normal event,” has prompted nine governors to declare a State of Emergency.

Energy shortages are becoming life-threatening in Mid West states. Petrochemical refineries in Louisiana are at risk. Freezing temperatures were blamed for the massive chemical leak in West Virginia in which 300000 residents were exposed to dangerous poisons.

“Louisiana is a key producer and exporter of propane and heating fuel products.  State agencies are now authorized to take appropriate actions to ensure these products can be delivered in Louisiana and other states,” said an official Louisiana government statement.

Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin are each under a State of Emergency.

“The most dangerous things, the things that worry the weather experts the most, are the accumulations of ice,” said Gov. Bobby Jindal.

Jindal is responsible for hundreds of oil refineries at risk in freezing conditions.

Alabama: Gov. Bentley said, “This is not a normal event,” and disclosed that the “polar vortex” has “increased the number of deaths throughout the nation.”

Propane shortages are causing life-threatening conditions throughout the Mid West.

Minnesota: Gov. Dayton declared a state of emergency for Minnesota in response to the critical shortage of propane and other home heating fuel statewide.

Temperatures are due to continue dropping behind an arctic boundary heading towards the southern U.S.

Wind will make temperatures across the northern Plains and Northeast feel as cold as -30F in some locations.

Tuesday, accumulating snow, sleet and ice has begun to make hazardous travel conditions from South Texas to the Carolinas.

Thinking about renewable energy and maybe even off-the-grid power during this storm? One man shows how to build a 400 square foot cabin for $2000. (Click here for more information on how renewable energy is cost-effective and even life-saving.)

Source: Fire Earth, Off Grid World

Update: Jan. 28, 9:00 A.M. EST

Throughout the Deep South, residents have heard official warnings to take precautions and/or emergency measures to avoid Winter Storm Leon’s dangers he’s anticipated to bring.

Louisiana’s Bobby Jindal declared a statewide emergency, saying people must have emergency provisions and must stay off roads to prevent dangerous Winter Storm Leon destruction.

The governor warned residents to stay off roads to avoid accidents from icy conditions causing veihicles to slip. Crews have been working to keep major highways open for people absolutely needing to travel.

Dennis Dawsey, customer service V.P. for Entergy’s Louisiana utilities, said in a press release. “Power outage restoration may extend into 3 to 5 days for some customers, depending on the severity of the damage. Ice storms can pose a significant threat to an electric system, and extreme cold weather can present additional challenges and require a different – and often slower – restoration process.”

Entergy has brought into the state 2,100 restoration workers to respond to outage problems.

Saying what Louisianans needed to survive Leon, Jindal said, “They have to have the batteries. They have to have the food. They have to do what they can to stay warm during these times.”

The Advocate reported at 7:45 A.M. Tuesday:

A winter storm warning, which means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected, remains in place for most of south Louisiana from Lafayette to New Orleans until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

As of the 4 a.m. forecast, light sleet and light freezing rain was falling across extreme southwest Mississippi and east-central Louisiana and was expected to continue south and east throughout the day.

Eventually the sleet and freezing rain will become snow with the heaviest amounts to come mid-day through the early evening hours.

The accumulation of ice could be up to a quarter inch in most areas, with areas south of Lake Pontchartrain, including the greater New Orleans area, getting as much as a half-inch of ice. In addition to the ice, Baton Rouge can expect the possibility of up to an inch of snow while areas more to the north and east could get up to three inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

As driving conditions are expected to become hazardous at daybreak Tuesday, state and local officials have urged people to stay of the roads especially as many state and local offices as well as schools have been closed.

Since temperatures in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas won’t get much above freezing Tuesday, these hazardous driving conditions, primarily due to ice, will continue into Wednesday as well. Power outages could also be an issue in some areas as freezing rain and ice accumulates on tree limbs and power lines.

Texas is already reporting numerous car accidents.The Houston Independent School District, with over 210,000 students, plus schools in Beaumont, Galveston and Fort Bend canceled classes Tuesday due to the Leon’s threat. Government offices, buildings, and courts in Houston, Harris and Galveston counties are closed

Virgnia’s Hampton Roads residents have been told to prepare for one foot of snow by Wednesday afternoon. Some areas in Hampton Roads could see up to a foot of a snow by Wednesday afternoon.

South Carolina closed many schools. State government offices also were closed in parts of South Carolina.

North Carolina is preparing for power outages. The National Weather Service said the frozen precipitation was expected to begin Tuesday morning and continue into Wednesday. A winter storm warning was in effect in central and eastern North Carolina.

Georgians were told, “The snowfall amounts are going to matter very little in this situation because of the ice potential,” said Jason Deese, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Peachtree City. “Some parts of the state may end up seeing the greatest impact just because they get more ice than snow.”

Foridians have been told to beware of power lines snapping and freezing rain Tuesday afternoon when Leon hits later Tuesday, bringing freezing rain and — for some — snow. “The worsening weather will be dangerous for driving, and accumulating ice could cause power lines to snap.”

Source: Weather Underground

Update: Jan. 28, 8:00 A.M. EST

Leon could be the most impactful winter storm to hit the region in decades, report meteorologists. Closures across the Gulf region are in effect to abate accidents in the predicted blast of freezing precipitation.

Schools from eastern Texas into Florida’s panhandle preemptively canceled school Tuesday ahead of the storm. Thousands of flights are canceled.

Delta spokeswoman Betsy Talton said Monday night over 1,500 Delta flights alone have been canceled system-wide beginning 11 a.m. Tuesday.

“If you get into any of these kind of slippery conditions, most of these people don’t have snow tires on their cars, and they’re going to slide around very quickly,” warned Tom Niziol for The Weather Channel.

Parts of southeast Georgia and coastal South Carolina are particularly concerning due to significant amounts of freezing rain, that could cause tree damage and power outages.

Author’s Note: Are you feeling it? Take care, my friends. Tome for all-American spirit of lending a hand to those in need. email Deborah@unseen.is  Twitter @DeborahDupre

Update: Jan 27, 8:00 EST

Winter Storm Leon ”is unlike any we’ve seen recently.” (http://wxch.nl/1esP8yG pic.twitter.com/JtVJZp6cxT)

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches, warnings and advisories from central and southeast Texas eastward along the Gulf Coast, into Georgia, most of South Carolina, central and eastern North Carolina and far southeast Virginia.

In some area of the Deep South, the entire atmosphere will be below freezing and vulnerable to snow.

In areas closer to the Gulf Coast, layers of above-freezing air above the ground, setting the stage for sleet and/or freezing rain is likely

Temperatures will remain in the 20s. Wind chills will be in the single digits.

While unusual to have snow in the Deep South, It’s now unusual. What is unusual is for the freeze to be this extreme and impact this many people: forty million, the same forty million that some toxicologists have said have a lowered immune system dur to contamination from BP’s oil and Nalco’s Corexit. 

Beware of driving hazards: ‘If you hit ice, don’t slam on breaks’

Bridges will ice over first.

People are being advised to stay home if possible.

“A lot of people who live in this area have never been in cold weather like that, but in my case I’ve driven and lived in the cold before. I’ve lived in Germany twice and New Jersey where the snow is always big,” says Albany resident Albert Leon Bob.

Ice can make traveling extremely dangerous, especially on bridges.

“They will ice over first because they are not covered under the bottom so they have a double surface that’s exposed that causes them to ice over first so you need to be very cautious if you go over those,” says Captain Tom Jackson.

If you hit ice, don’t slam on your brakes, he advised.

Let off the gas and try to steer into the direction the vehicle is going so you can regain control.

Officials say t’s important to pay attention and better yet, if possible, just avoid traveling when the weather is nasty.

“So the biggest thing we tell people to do is be extra cautious, don’t be out on the roadway if you don’t need to be, and watch for, you know these black ice is the worst thing you can run across because a road can be iced over but it blends right into the roadway,” says Jackson.

If you do plan to go out, check your vehicle, including the tread and air pressure of your tires.

Drivers planning to travel should avoid Interstates 10, 40, 45, 65, 75, and 95.

Remember: Alcohol and freezing temperatures can kill. (See potentially life-saving precautions directly below and at the bottom of this page.)

Before It’s News Reader, David Howard, The Essential Prepper, says, “I’ve noted in other posts the need for basic prepping, including the need to factor in freezing temperatures. There are many preparedness sites available and I’m sure I won’t add anything new to the topic, but here are a few considerations when prepping for extreme cold weather:

Water – At least a 7 day supply at one gallon per person per day.

Food – At least a 7 day supply of non-perishable, easily prepared food (and a can opener!)

Flashlight and Batteries

Extra Batteries

First Aid Kit

Medications – At least a 7 day supply along with any necessary medical implements or items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contacts, syringes, etc.)

Small Toolset

Sanitation  – Toilet paper, moist towelettes, and disposal methods are imperative.

Baby Supplies – Bottles, formula, extra water, baby food, diapers, etc. It cannot be stressed enough to keep extra formula and baby food on hand.

Blankets/Gloves/Hats/Scarves

Alternative heat – Kerosene, wood-burning stove, and an ample supply of fuel. This heating method should be capable of running if all utilities are unavailable.

– See more at: http://www.essentialprepper.com/polar-vortex-returns-prepared/#sthash.cP6Ch7D6.dpuf

Howard points to meteorologist Wes Junker breaking down weather models in the Washington Post  on Thursday, predicting from (Jan. 21) through the end of the month, temperatures in many parts of the U.S. will be well below normal… 20 to 30 degrees below average.

.

Sources: National Weather Service, Accu Weather, WALB, The Essential Prepper

Update: Jan. 27 6:00 P.M. EST:

Prepare Now! advicories issued for historic winter storm

Some 40 million people not accustomed or typically prepared for severe winter storm are in the path of Winter Storm Leon that will affect a long swath of the Deep South over the next couple of days – including places better known for their beaches, balmy breezes and hurricanes.

Some areas in the Deep South will see frozen precipitation as early as tonight or early Tuesday. Warnings are still being declared and residents are told that it very important to prepare now.

The threat stems from combined bitterly cold arctic air mass plunging southward behind a sharp cold front, while moisture streams northward from the Gulf Coast.

As the moisture crosses into the cold air behind the front, a historic swath of frozen and freezing precipitation will break out. (Arctic Blast This Week)

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches, warnings and advisories from central and southeast Texas eastward along the Gulf Coast and into Georgia, most of South Carolina, central and eastern North Carolina and far southeast Virginia. For Houston, it’s the second time with a winter storm warning in just five days.

Update: Jan 27: 9:00 A.M. EST:

Get a game plan. A winter strom watch (see advisory definitions below) is in effect in the Deep South where residents are told, “Get a game plan.” Tuesday and Wednesday are to bring the worst winter storms ot hit the south in years.

From Houston to Hilton Head, S.C., people are bracing for what is predicted to be the most impactful winter storm to hit the region in 25 years.

“There are almost 1,300 miles covered by watches and warnings across the Southeast United States,” explained Tom Niziol, winter weather expert for The Weather Channel. “Some areas in this part of the Southeast haven’t seen this kind of wintry weather in 25 years.”

For the 2nd time in 5 days, the Deep South is under a winter storm watch: http://wxch.nl/Lac2Uk. Businesses were closed in many areas including Batorn Rouge last Friday.

Poor road conditions and unprepared drivers are already resulting in mulitple car pile-ups.

For example, a 23-car pileup is among many wrecks seen on area roads last night, leading to multiple closures. (http://atxne.ws/1aQtOSM)

Update: Jan. 26, 2014. 6:00 PM EST: 

The Gulf coast braces for snow and closures. Snow up the three inches is predicted along with school and other closures including flight cancellations along the Gulf coast region:

“While the rare snow will be a welcome sight for children and those young at heart, this will be a major winter storm for the I-10 corridor and the eastern Carolinas,” Accu Weather says.
“Residents and travelers should prepare for significant disruptions. This includes motorists planning to travel on Interstates 10, 40, 45, 65, 75 and 95.”

A polar plunge with harsher conditions than frigid winter storns earlier this January, that broke records, is arriving early this week. It’s bringing coldest daytime highs and nighttime lows so far this winter and threatening far-reaching frostbite, hypothermia and water main breaks, according to meteorologists Sunday.

“The magnitude of this cold blast will be enough to produce a far-reaching threat of frostbite, hypothermia, frozen pipes and water main breaks,” AccuWeather reports Sunday.

While harsh cold is returning to the Midwest and Northeast this weekend, Accuweather says the cold blast this weekend ”will pale in comparison” to what’s coming Monday through Wednesday.

“Biting winds will usher in the frigid air, creating dramatically colder temperatures. Where snow is covering the ground, the winds will worsen the situation for motorists by blowing and drifting the snow.”

Grand Forks, N.D., will bottom out at around 30 below zero and across most of the Northeast, highs will be held to single digits and teens Tuesday and Wednesday.

Human skin will freeze in just a few minutes in the conditions expected this week.

People in the upper northwest and northeast are advised to prepare now.

Alcohol and freezing storm conditions don’t mix, a less discussed precaution: Do not consume alcohol if stuck in frigid conditions or heading into it for unavoidable reason.

While drinking makes us feel warmer, the truth is that it can actually result in death. Alcohol is a quick way to die from hypothermia.

Mythbusters explains that alcohol may make your skin feel warm, but this feeling of a heat wave is deceptive. A nip or two actually causes blood vessels to dilate, moving warm blood closer to the surface of your skin, making you feel warmer temporarily. At the same time, however, those same blood vessels pumping blood closer to the skin’s surface cause loss of core body heat – heat needed to survive, especially if stuck in a snowdrift.

“If you go out in the cold after drinking, because you’ve got a lot of heat on the periphery of your body, you can lose heat very easily and quickly. And that can be dangerous,” says Professor Colin Drummond, head of the Section of Alcohol Research at King’s College London. “That takes blood and heat away from the core of your body. So while it feels like you’re warm because your skin is warm, your vital organs aren’t as warm as you might think they are.”

Drinking heavily and then venturing out into arctic conditions, the faulty internal thermometer along with the dulling of senses and bravado that alcohol can create, can spell trouble.

“Drinking too much leads to bad decisions,” says Prof Drummond. “If you drunkenly decide to walk home across a snowy field instead of getting a taxi, you’re putting yourself at risk. Hypothermia can take hold quickly and can even lead to death.”

For this reason, if one sees a homeless person or youth out in these extreme conditions, it is better to reach out and help or to call a friend or 911 for help.

Other precautions

Public Alerts advises taking the following precautions to survive brutally frigid conditions:

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can result in heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
• Stay 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 frostbite signs: 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.
• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.

The Red Cross says being prepared for winter storms includes knowing the difference between public announcements:

• Winter Storm Outlook – Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.
• Winter Weather Advisory – Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.
• Winter Storm Watch – 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.
• Winter Storm Warning – Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Sources: Voices of America, Accu Weather, Red Cross, Before It’s News

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