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WS 20260123 Update 2

Major Winter Storm Expected in Clinton County — Prepare Now



WINTER STORM WARCH upgraded...

🚨 WINTER STORM WARNING in effect from 10 am on Saturday to Noon on Monday

🚨COLD WEATHER ADVISORY in effect from 6 pm on Friday to Noon on Saturday


Clinton County is forecasted to experience Major Impacts from an approaching winter storm and extended extreme cold. This means dangerous or impossible driving, major disruptions to daily life, and possible closures or service delays.

Residents should prepare now. This storm may affect our county from Saturday through at least Tuesday, with snow, ice, and dangerous cold lasting into next week.


This is a prepare for the worst, hope for the best situation. Conditions may change quickly, but planning ahead will help keep you and your family safe.



Primary Threats

  • Heavy snowfall, possibly 8 to 12 inches

  • Dangerous or impossible travel

  • Extended extreme cold

  • Power outages from snow on trees and power lines

  • High risk of frostbite and hypothermia

  • Snow lingering for days, slowing cleanup and travel


Secondary Threats

  • School, churches, business, and government closures or delays

  • Reduced public and emergency services due to travel conditions

  • Delivery delays (meals, mail, medical supplies)

  • Public transportation disruptions (serivce area and hours)

  • Higher 9-1-1 emergency call volume

  • Rural and back-road access challenges

  • Strain on utilities, heating fuel, and grocery supplies


Power restoration usually starts with fixing major damage to power lines, substations, and transmission lines that affect the LARGEST number of customer clusters before moving on to smaller clusters (neighborhood lines, then individual homes and businesses). Strong winds (>34 mph) can delay repairs by making it unsafe for line crews to use bucket trucks or work on elevated lines, slowing restoration until conditions improve.

Timeline of Expected Impacts


New graphic (added 9:04 am).
New graphic (added 9:04 am).

Friday (Now – Jan 23): Preparation Phase

  • Very cold wind chills expected

  • Final prep window before snow begins

  • Residents should complete fueling, shopping, and planning


Saturday (Jan 24): Snow Begins

  • Saturday morning continuation of preparations for fueling and shopping

  • Snow likely starts midday or afternoon

  • Roads may become hazardous by evening

  • Travel conditions expected to worsen overnight


Sunday (Jan 25): Heaviest Impacts

  • Heavy snow likely

  • Travel could become very difficult or impossible

  • Power outages possible due to snow weight on trees and lines

  • If you eat out often, don’t expect restaurants to be open — and if one is, expect it to be short-staffed. Be patient, be kind, and tip VERY well.


Call before you travel, as many businesses may close with very short notice!

Monday–Wednesday (Jan 26–28): Prolonged Cold & Slow Recovery

  • Snow and ice may remain on roads

  • Cold will slow melting and cleanup

  • Rural travel may remain difficult

  • Schools, Services, and deliveries may continue to be delayed



NWS Briefing at 1:30 PM — More Accurate Updates Coming

👉 The National Weather Service will provide an updated briefing at 1:30 PM today 👈 This update is expected to provide higher confidence on snowfall totals, timing, and impact levels.


Residents are encouraged to:

  • Monitor updates this afternoon (starting at 1:30 pm on Friday)

  • Use this time to finalize preparations

  • Check with your employer for guidance on travel, closures, and safety


We will share updated local information as soon as the briefing is released.



Time to Prepare — What to Do Now


For All Residents

  • Fill your gas tank

  • Stock food, water, medications, and essentials

  • Charge phones and backup batteries

  • Prepare flashlights, blankets, and extra warm clothing

  • Check heating systems and smoke/CO detectors

  • Plan to stay home if possible


Possible Impacts to Daily Life & Community Lifelines


Electric & Heat

  • Power outages possible

  • Increased heating demand


Food & Supplies

  • Grocery and supply delays

  • Meal delivery disruptions


Healthcare

  • Appointment delays possible

  • Increased cold-related health risks


Transportation


Emergency Services

  • Higher call volume expected

  • Possible slower response due to road conditions


Schools & Work

  • Closures or schedule changes likely

  • Staffing disruptions expected


Water & Utilities

  • Risk of frozen pipes

  • Increased strain on systems


Home Meal Delivery Clients — Plan Ahead

Residents who rely on home-delivered meals should prepare for possible missed or delayed deliveries.


We strongly recommend:

  • Keeping several days of shelf-stable meals

  • Planning for delivery schedule disruptions

  • Checking with providers about backup food plans

  • Ensuring enough food, water, and medications through mid-week (Tuesday, 27 January)


This is especially important for older adults, homebound residents, and those with medical needs.


Cold Injury Risk — Protect Yourself

The cold following this storm creates a high risk of frostbite and hypothermia.


Stay Safe

  • Limit time outdoors

  • Wear layers, hats, gloves, and face coverings

  • Avoid wet clothing

  • Take breaks when shoveling snow

  • Watch for warning signs: numbness, confusion, pale skin, uncontrolled shivering


Need a Warm Place?

Warming center locations are available at:👉 https://www.cc-ema.org/warming


Special Message for Rural Residents

If you live on back roads or in rural areas, expect:

  • Longer travel delays

  • Slower snow clearing

  • Possible isolation if roads drift shut


Plan to remain home for several days and travel only in emergencies.


Final Message to Clinton County Residents

Everyone is going to feel rushed and stressed during this situation ... that’s normal. Start where you are, help where you can, and be the best version of yourself, because the people around you are likely carrying extra pressure too. Your patience, calm, and example can make a real difference when it matters most.


This storm has the potential to significantly disrupt daily life. Preparing now reduces risk, stress, and emergency calls.


If conditions improve, great — but if they worsen, you’ll be ready.


Prepare early. Monitor updates at 1:30 PM Friday.


Saturday evening & Sunday: Travel only if necessary.


Check on neighbors.


Stay warm.


Stay safe.

 
 
 
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