Midwest Ice Storm 2017
Local and National weather stations are predicting a dangerous ice storm, causing critical conditions in the Omaha area, starting 6 a.m. CST Sunday and going through 3 a.m. CST Tuesday. It is important to take the proper precautions to protect yourself and those you love during, and after, the ice storm hits.
It is also important to stay informed and have an action plan to prepare your family for riding out the dangerous weather. We’ve compiled the following helpful resources for your use:
- Click here for the National Weather Service’s Winter Storm Safety Tips & Resources
- Click here to download the American Red Cross’ comprehensive list of safety tips.
- Click here to check on current OPPD power outages or to report an outage.
- Click here to visit OPPD’s Storm & Outage Center.
- Click here to read AccuWeather’s tips on surviving a power outage.
- Click here to see The Weather Channel’s 5 Things to Know About Ice Storms.
- Click here to learn how to safely remove ice from sidewalks and driveways.
- Click here for a list of what items to have in your car if you do have to venture out in the storm.
Hopefully the Omaha and Sarpy County areas will avoid the brunt of Ice Storm 2017, but according to WOWT: “Out of all the forms of precipitation in the winter, freezing rain is the most dangerous. The phrase “a little bit goes a long way” was realized around the Omaha metro when 1/10”-2/10” caused countless accidents and hundreds of trips to the hospital from slips and falls. Now, we are tracking the possibility of an icing event much more profound for the coming holiday weekend.”
So regardless of how much ice we receive, don’t underestimate the dangerous nature of this storm. Be prepared, stay informed, keep warm and don’t go outside if you don’t have to.