Are Pacific Northwest residents ready for plummeting temperatures, torrential rains and snow? With another harsh winter predicted, on Monday, October 3, Take Winter By Storm--a campaign to help citizens get prepared before bad weather strikes--and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), demonstrated potential 2011 La Nina scenarios using advanced forecasting technologies and “Science On a Sphere”, NOAA’s room-sized global display system at Pacific Science Center. The goal is to show what could be headed our way and provide tools and tips to deal with this inclement weather.
“With summer arriving late in the Northwest this year, winter may not be on the top of our minds,” commented Ted Beuhner, Warming Coordination Meteorologist with NOAA. “This La Niña forecast is a wake-up call to Pacific Northwest residents: it’s time to get ready.”
Climate forecasters from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, upgraded their La Niña Watch to a La Niña Advisory in September, predicting a second consecutive La Niña winter pattern. Forecasters now have the new coastal Doppler weather radar as a tool to monitor storms as they approach the coast and move onshore. In the Pacific Northwest, La Niña conditions mean a wet, wild and cold winter.
“In the 2010-2011 La Niña season we saw floods and people sledding down Denny Way,” said Andy Wappler, Take Winter by Storm spokesperson and Meteorologist. “Before that, the 2007-2008 La Niña put the I-5 corridor near Chehalis underwater.”
How can area residents prepare for extreme weather? On Monday, October 3, 10:30am, at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center, representatives from Take Winter By Storm and NOAA shared winter-preparedness tips to help folks understand what we’re in for this winter. The group showed 2011-2012 La Niña simulations on Science On a Sphere®, a giant animated globe six feet in diameter that displays complex weather patterns using computers and projectors. It is now part of the Pacific Science Center’s permanent collection.
Through its Science on a Sphere® exhibit, the Pacific Science Center is educating guests on the Earth’s atmosphere and its weather patterns and is proud to be involved with the Take Winter by Storm campaign.
“Science on a Sphere® is a powerful visualization tool we have used recently to showcase the global impacts of the Japanese earthquake and the devastating storm Irene,” said Bryce Seidl, president and CEO for Pacific Science Center. “Utilizing this device to help people better understand the potential implications of another La Niña season represents another example of our capability and commitment to bring current and relevant science to our region.”
The campaign is a collaborative, public-private effort between King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap Counties, the City of Seattle, Puget Sound Energy, State Farm, National Weather Service/NOAA, American Red Cross and various local retailers - which represent Washington state’s largest counties and city emergency management offices and energy utilities, the leading insurer of homes and automobiles, weather forecasters, first responders during disaster occurrences and local businesses. These organizations have joined forces in the major multi-media public awareness campaign to raise community awareness of hazardous weather and help protect lives and property.
The Take Winter By Storm website, www.takewinterbystorm.org, is a one-stop emergency preparedness center that includes safety tips and regional resources for information about the weather, power outages, flooding, shelters and assistance agencies.
· The public is encouraged to take the following actions in preparation to be storm ready:
Ø Create an emergency preparedness kit with at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for your home and office. Kits prepared for vehicle road travel and winter weather evacuation go-kits are also advised.
Ø Make a plan and practice the plan with your family and those who depend on you
Ø Stay informed and know the weather approaching so you are prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way
· Visit TakeWinterByStorm.org for more information and helpful resources, such as a downloadable preparedness and maintenance checklists and emergency contact cards.
· You can find Take Winter By Storm on TV, radio, the Internet, as well as on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter:
Ø Facebook.com/TakeWinterByStorm
Ø YouTube.com/TakeWinterByStorm
Ø Twitter.com @WinterByStorm, #stormready, #winterprep
For more information on the Take Winter by Storm Campaign:
Visit us online: www.takewinterbystorm.org
Like us on Facebook: Take Winter By Storm
Follow us on Twitter: @WinterByStorm, #stormready, #winterprep
View us on YouTube: Take Winter By Storm
