Monday, January 28, 2013

Winter storm warning - from noaa.gov

(see pictures below)

Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 3 am to 3 pm Akst Tuesday.
A Winter Storm Warning for snow remains in effect from 3 am to 3 pm Akst Tuesday.

Timing: snow will begin late Monday night, but accumulate slowly at first. Greatest snowfall rates will occur Tuesday morning then become lighter through the evening.
Snow: accumulation of 4 to 10 inches with heaviest amounts over Admiralty Island.
Impacts: travel will be difficult and visibilities will be reduced in moderate to heavy snow.

Recommended actions

A warning means that a winter storm is already occurring or imminent. This storm could pose a threat to life and property. This statement will be updated by 8 pm Akst Monday or sooner if conditions warrant.

Excerpted from ready.gov Before:

Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
Sand to improve traction.
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

During:

Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack - a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.

Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.

What is a Winter Storm Warning?

WatchWarning

A winter weather event including 1) snow, ice, or sleet meeting or exceeding locally defined 12 and/or 24 hour warning criteria; or 2) a combination of snow, ice, or sleet and blowing snow with at least one of the precipitation elements meeting or exceeding locally defined 12 and/or 24 hour warning criteria. Source: nws.noaa.gov

The front coming in over Douglas Island

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Island Pub Birthday lunch

Pizza at one of my favorite restaurants in Juneau for a coworker’s birthday.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Earthquake

So you probably heard about the big earthquake up this way. No damage and many did not feel it as it occurred at midnight. It was a big earthquake and we are blessed that it did no harm. Thank you to all that emailed your concern. Here's a recap from the Juneau Empire:

Quake gives Juneau a jolt late Friday night

7.5 magnitude quake 205 miles south of Juneau triggers tsunami warning

Posted: January 6, 2013 - 12:13am

By MELISSA GRIFFITHS

JUNEAU EMPIRE

A quake with a magnitude of 7.5 gave Juneau a jolt just before midnight Friday night. The preliminary calculation was a 7.7 magnitude quake off Prince of Wales Island.
According to the National Weather Service, the point of origin for the quake was 205 miles south of Juneau. NWS issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas between and including the north tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia to Cape Suckling, located 75 miles southeast of Cordova. Within an hour, the warning area was pared down to just Southeast Alaska and eventually cancelled. Further seismic activity continued with a 5.4 magnitude aftershock occurring at 3:28 a.m. Saturday morning, with no tsunami danger predicted.

It is suggested that, in a warning area, people move inland to higher ground. In an advisory area, moving off the beach and out of harbors and marinas is suggested.

Residents of Southeast Alaska sought information wherever possible, calling friends, searching the Web or checking social media sites like Facebook.

A valley resident emailed the Empire to say the quake “shook my Juneau home violently enough to awaken the entire family. No apparent damage.”

A Facebook comment by the Empire just after midnight Saturday morning prompted readers to share their experiences and received more than 85 comments from communities from Juneau to Metlakatla.

Marie Cook in Metlakatla wrote: “We personally didn’t feel it this time but our son Bruce called at 1 (a.m.) and said his place shook several seconds. The whole town headed for higher ground. We live right on the beach and during the evacuation our water was super calm. After canceling the tsunami alert and going home, we noticed the water/waves hitting the beach pretty hard (and still are at 4:20am).”

Antaya Washausen in Sitka wrote: “I live in Sitka and was just about to fall asleep when the bed started moving, then it seemed like the room was shaking... when the stuff on my dresser was about to fall off it dawned on me we were having an earthquake! All safe here in Sitka, but having never had to face evacuation before tonite, it sure does get the adrenaline flowing!”