Learning technical, hazardous, and safe weather patterns will help the community

Detroit Public Library Social Sciences, education and religion presents Skywarn: A Michigan Winter Weather Talk. Saturday November 16, 2024, in the Main Galleria, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commence spoke about Michigan winter weather.

The opportunity to learn technical, hazardous, and safe weather patterns was brought to attendees by led meteorologist Steve C. and co-worker Megan of National Weather Service Detroit- Pontiac. "All the weather warns that you hear from Southeast Michigan, they come from our office," said Steve. The office forecast area covers metro Detroit, Ann Arbor and Flint.

The program highlighted and discussed winter climatology. "Part of it is education, part of it is weather safety, and another part of it is to make sure that the community knows where to report hazardous weather information," explained Steve. The series additionally explained/demonstrated the tools National Weather Service (NWS) utilizes to forecast warnings and educated citizens on how to report weather conditions to NWS. It was full of information. Including storm systems, how they form, and explaining the impact of these storms.

Below are hazardous elements of winter weather and the danger it impacts.

1. Heavy Snow – driving, shoveling, impassable roads, hanging trees and power lines

2. Ice Storms – power outages, falling trees and power lines, icy paved surfaces

3. Extreme Cold – frostbite and hypothermia

4. High Winds in Winter – trees, power lines, loose items, and difficulty driving

5. Blizzards – all of the above

Safety! "Always remember you want to lift with your legs...push the snow than lift it," Steve stressed. According to the National Safety Council, thousands of injuries occur shoveling snow and nearly 100 people die yearly shoveling snow. Protect yourself during power outages with battery items and unplugging electronics among other ways. Dress in layers when extreme cold, high winds and blizzards, but do not over dress.

Key takeaways: 1. Watch – 72/48 hours, act get prepared 2. Warning – 36/12 hours, be prepared expect the outcome 3. Advisory – this is currently happening, usually used for road conditions.

In various forms attendees were able to obtain and grasp knowledge. Worksheets were given as guides and take-home material. The presentation mixes simple text slides, great pictures, amazing video and audio kept the audience enthusiast and engaged. "I had a comment last year that the winter talks were a little boring," he admits. Using that feedback Steve added clever interactive jokes. For more information visit the National Weather Service website, http://www.weather.gov/detroit for this area. Become a spotter and report to the NWS, snow, ice, wind damage, or flooding. Only observations are needed and can be reported at 1800 808 0006, the spotter report line or email [email protected]. NWS can be followed and take reports on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter).