"Significant Snow"

[Chris Santee]

Significant Snow Expected in Vermont
Vermonters encouraged to check heating vents and drive safe
WATERBURY, VT - The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning and is predicting up to 18-inches of snow for areas of southern Vermont between Thursday morning and Friday evening.  NWS is also expecting gusty winds which could create snow drifts and present challenges in areas where there is less snowfall.

With snow on the ground and more expected, all Vermonters are encouraged to check heating vents to ensure they are clear of snow and venting properly.  A blocked vent can cause deadly carbon monoxide (CO) to enter the home.  CO is colorless and odorless and can cause injury or death.  All homeowners are advised to have working carbon monoxide detectors in the home and to get out and call for help if it sounds.  Symptoms of CO poisoning include lethargy and nausea.

Travelers should check forecasts before heading out and drive appropriately for conditions.  Slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to allow for extra braking distance.  Clear all snow from your car so your visibility is not impeded and you don't present a hazard to other drivers.

Other things to remember during snow storms:

Be a good neighbor - Check in on elderly or other neighbors who may need assistance.
Don't overdo it - When clearing snow take frequent breaks.  Shoveling is strenuous work and can lead to a number of health problems ranging from a back injury to cardiac issues.

Vermont Alert can send weather and other updates directly to users.  Account holders can have information about their area directly to their e-mail box or mobile phone or both - whatever they chose.  Sign up for an account at http://vtalert.gov and click the appropriate link on the left side of the page.

Updates on roads, weather conditions, or any other issues can be found on the following sites:

VT DEMHS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement
VT DEMHS on Twitter: @vemvt ... https://twitter.com/vemvt
Vermont 511 on Twitter: @511vt ... https://twitter.com/511VT
VTrans on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/VTrans/143848835653728
Vermont State Police on Twitter: @VTStatePolice ... https://twitter.com/VTStatePolice
Vermont State Police on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice
NWS Burlington: https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Burlington.gov on Facebook or @NWSBurlington on Twitter
NWS Albany: https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Albany.gov on Facebook or @NWSAlbany on Twitter

Weather and other resources:
National Weather Service Albany (Forecast office for Bennington and Windham counties): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/aly/
National Weather Service Burlington (Rest of Vermont): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/
Road conditions: www.511vt.com<http://www.511vt.com>

[Chris Santee]

REDUCED WORKFORCE/DELAYED OPENING
After consultation with representatives of the National Weather Service, Vermont Emergency Management, the Vermont State Police and VTrans, it has been determined that, due to anticipated weather conditions, State offices statewide have been authorized to operate on a reduced workforce status effective with the beginning of the first shift on Friday, February 14, 2014 and ending at 9:00AM on Friday, February 14, 2014.
As a result, the opening of all State offices will be delayed until 9:00 AM.
Employees who are affected by the reduced workforce status (authorized to report late for work) during this period, may do so without loss of pay or benefits.
All employees designated as essential personnel for reduced workforce situations including Corrections, Public Service, Institutions, and Transportation Maintenance should report to work as required.
Please note, it has been determined that current weather conditions do not warrant the early closing of State offices or a reduced workforce situation this afternoon.
However, conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the evening and travel is anticipated to be poor. Therefore, you are encouraged to exercise caution and allow additional time as you travel to or from work.
Agencies and departments, subject to their operating needs, may wish to authorize employees to leave early and/or report later than 9:00 AM for work to better accommodate travel, using their own leave time.
The emergency information line and Department of Human Resources reduced workforce or emergency closing information link below will be updated as further information becomes available.
Toll-free Weather and Emergency Information Line: (800) 644-4402

DHR Reduced Workforce or Emergency Closing Information<http://humanresources.vermont.gov/policy/emergency/reduced_workforce_or_emergency_closing_information>




State of Vermont | Vermont Department of Public Safety

Website: http://dps.vermont.gov/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice

[Chris Santee]

Difficult Travel in Vermont this Morning
Driving discouraged
WATERBURY, VT - Several inches of snow and strong gusty winds are making travel in Vermont difficult this morning.  State and local road crews are out clearing roads, but the heavy snow and wind gusts are making driving difficult, with slippery conditions and reduced visibility.  Travel this morning is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.

The National Weather Service says snow should end by 10:00 this morning but road crews will need some time to clean up.

Those who do need to travel should allow plenty of extra time to reach their destination, drive slow, and leave plenty of room between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them to allow for extra braking distance.  Clear all snow from your car so your visibility is not impeded and you don't present an extra hazard to other drivers.

Vermonters are encouraged to check heating vents to ensure they are clear of snow and venting properly.  A blocked vent can cause deadly carbon monoxide (CO) to enter the home.  CO is colorless and odorless and can cause injury or death.  All homeowners are advised to have working carbon monoxide detectors in the home and to get out and call for help if it sounds.  Symptoms of CO poisoning include lethargy and nausea.

Other things to remember during snow storms:

Be a good neighbor - Check in on elderly or other neighbors who may need assistance.
Don't overdo it - When clearing snow take frequent breaks.  Shoveling is strenuous work and can lead to a number of health problems ranging from a back injury to cardiac issues.

Vermont Alert can send weather and other updates directly to users.  Account holders can have information about their area directly to their e-mail box or mobile phone or both - whatever they chose.  Sign up for an account at http://vtalert.gov and click the appropriate link on the left side of the page.

[Razzle Dazzle]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knmjm04F5O8

[rod anode]

ALWAYS THE SKEPTIC!!!!!

[Chris Santee]

Caution Still Urged on Vermont Roads
WATERBURY, VT - Snow is coming to an end in many areas of Vermont - but winds are still impeding visibility and blowing snow on the roads, making for slippery surfaces.  Motorists are encouraged to slow down and drive appropriately for conditions.

A number of accidents have been reported this morning.  State and local road crews are still out and making headway, but windy conditions are making road conditions unpredictable.

Those who need to travel should allow plenty of extra time to reach their destination, drive slowly, and leave plenty of room between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them to allow for extra braking distance.  Clear all snow from your car so your visibility is not impeded and you don't present an extra hazard to other drivers.

If your car becomes stuck make sure your tail pipe is free of snow and able to exhaust properly.  A blocked exhaust pipe can cause carbon monoxide fumes to enter your car.  Call for help if you slide off the road and wait with your car for help.

Vermonters are encouraged to check heating vents to ensure they are clear of snow and venting properly.  A blocked vent can cause deadly carbon monoxide (CO) to enter the home.  CO is colorless and odorless and can cause injury or death.  All homeowners are advised to have working carbon monoxide detectors in the home and to get out and call for help if it sounds.  Symptoms of CO poisoning include lethargy and nausea.

Other things to remember during snow storms:

Be a good neighbor - Check in on elderly or other neighbors who may need assistance.
Don't overdo it - When clearing snow take frequent breaks.  Shoveling is strenuous work and can lead to a number of health problems ranging from a back injury to cardiac issues.

[Chris Santee]

I-89 south closed in Bolton
The southbound lane of Interstate 89 is closed in the area of the "ledges" in Bolton.  This is about mile-marker 70, between exits 11 and 10.  The closure is due to a multi-vehicle crash that has the lanes blocked.

Troopers are responding to the scene and updates will be provided when available.  At this point there are no details on the exact number of vehicles involved or any possible injuries.