Snow, Wind Key Elements of Weekend Weather Outlook

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Published on January 18 2019 12:34 pm
Last Updated on January 18 2019 3:45 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Snow and then wind.

Those are the main ingredients of the mixture of weather to visit the area this weekend.

The National Weather Service shared at midmorning Friday that a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Effingham area from noon Saturday to midnight Saturday night.

The forecast calls for rain to begin around midnight tonight, with the rain shifting over to snow as temperatures fall around midmorning Saturday. The area could end up receiving one to three inches of snow by Saturday night.

Weather Service officials, though, caution that the accumulation of snow is not the big factor; it's the wind that will accompany this system. Gusts up to 40MPH can be expected, with those winds blowing and drifting whatever snow is received. There is also still some chance of freezing rain with a tenth of an inch accumulation possible.

As the precipitation begins to exit, very cold temperatures will be ushered in and wind chills will be in single digits on either side of zero.

Weather Service officials say, looking ahead, we might see an inch of two of snow from a system that will come through the area Tuesday night and Wednesday.

The Effingham County Health Department and Effingham County Emergency Management urges residents to take precautions during this winter storm event.

Blowing and drifting snow could reduce visibility and make travel very hazardous. Road crews will be working hard to keep roads passable for emergency vehicles. Citizens are encouraged to avoid travel if possible and shelter in place until roads are cleared and severe weather conditions have passed.

Temperatures are predicted to fall well below freezing. Residents should take precautions if they must go outside. In order to reduce exposure and possible frostbite, cover all exposed parts of the body. Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure of the skin and can occur in as little as 30 minutes. The symptoms of frostbite are numbness and white or pale appearance to the skin. Frostbite can permanently damage the skin. Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition brought on when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees. Residents should avoid going outside if possible, and if not, limit their exposure time to severe cold. Residents are also encouraged to make sure pets have access to shelter.

Due to the severity of this storm, power outages throughout the county are possible. Effingham County residents who need emergency warming during this weather emergency may contact the Effingham County Sheriff’s office at 217-342-2101, and they will be put in contact with warming center resources.