That wonderfully wintry blanket of snow covering the greater Cortland area? Expect that what doesn’t get blown away by winds gusting up to 60 mph Tuesday night to wash away in the 1 to 1.5 inches of rain that will accompany it.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 3 p.m. Tuesday to 4 a.m. Wednesday. Expect sustained winds between 20 mph and 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph, or even 65 mph, the weather service reports.
That will come with about an inch of snow today, and a half-inch of snow tonight, followed by rain.
The gusts would blow loose objects and topple tree limbs, so expect power outages, report the Broome County-based meteorologists. The strongest winds will come at higher elevations and long north- and west-facing slopes.
A chance of rain and snow showers will continue until late Wednesday afternoon.
Expect a high temperature near 38 Tuesday, a low of 36 Tuesday night and a high of 37 on Wednesday before dropping below freezing Wednesday night.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday she is mobilizing state crews in advance of the storm, which is expected to strike harder north and west of the greater Cortland area.
Her office also offered these tips:
PLAN FOR A POWER OUTAGE
• Medication that requires refrigeration can can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem - check with your physician or pharmacist.
• If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer, consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving an inch of space inside each one –this will help keep food cold if the power goes out.
• Plan to have an alternative cooking source, such as a camp stove or outdoor grill. Don’t use it inside.
• Have extra blankets, coats, hats and gloves on hand.
• Turn off all computers, monitors, and other devices when they are not being used.
• If you have an electric garage door opener, locate and learn how to use the manual release level.
• If you have a telephone instrument or system that requires electricity to work, plan for alternate communication.
IF THE POWER GOES OUT
• Turn off or disconnect major appliances and computers to avoid damage from a power surge.
• Call your utility provider and listen to local broadcasts for official information.
• Check to see if neighbors and those with access or functional needs have power.
• Use only flashlights for emergency lighting - candles pose the risk of fire.
• Keep refrigerators and freezer doors closed - most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will maintain temperature for about 48 hours.
• Do not use a charcoal grill indoors and do not use a gas stove for heat.
• Dress in layers.
• Close off rooms you do not need.
TO REPORT AN OUTAGE:
Call:
• National Grid: 800-867-5222
• NYSEG: 800-572-1131
