At least six people were recently killed across the central U.S. due to the slow-moving ice storm. Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri were particularly affected by the storm.
Forecasters expect that this could be the worst ice storm in 10 years, which will badly hit portions of northwestern Texas, western Oklahoma, and central Kansas. According to the National Weather Service, the highest forecast was for 1.42 inches of ice near Dodge City., Kan. Last Friday, there had been 100 reports of freezing rain and ice accumulations coming from Oklahoma to western Kentucky and southwest Indiana.
Meanwhile, the ice storm also left thousands of homes and establishments with no power. In 2009, Kentucky had the largest power outage on record with 609,000 homes and businesses without power across the state due to the powered lines struck down by the storm.
Statistics
- Ice storms frequently occur during December and January.
- America’s worst winter cities of 2014-1015 are Syracuse, Dallas, Sierra Nevada Region, Nashville, and Boston
- This year’s ice storm is comparable to severe storms in 1996 and 2004.
How to Stay Safe During an Ice Storm
Who could forget the winter storm that lashed Kentucky in 2009? Nine weather-related deaths were reported, and more than 600,000 people have lived without power for several days. It was a total mess – inconvenient power outages and life-threatening road conditions.
Now that the country is experiencing an ice storm again, we have to be more careful and cautious. As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I don’t want to see another tragedy in our state. Stay indoors during the storm, especially if your home is in the area affected by the extreme weather.
Drive only if absolutely necessary. And if you must drive, travel in the day with a companion. Keep your loved ones informed of your plans and current location. You should also be mindful of what to wear. Dress appropriately. Wear several layers of clothing, mittens, and a hat to keep you warm. You should also cover your mouth with a thick scarf to protect your lungs.
Moreover, check your vehicle before hitting the road. Make sure that the antifreeze levels of your car are sufficient to avoid freezing. It is also recommended to install winter tires, which have better traction and prevent your vehicle from sliding off the road.
And in case you have a family member, relative, friend, or colleague whose home lost power during the storm and does not have adequate supplies to stay warm for days, help them by letting them know where public shelters are designated or seeking assistance from the authorities.