Winter Storm Cleon Take Over US

Well it's that time of year again. As I write this blog, it's about 10 degrees outside, and the walk to Environmental Hazards this morning at 7:45 wasn't too much fun at about 2 degrees. With cold temperatures comes a new type of hazard never before discussed on this blog: Winter Storms. Cold temperatures, snow, and freezing ice bring all sorts of fun new hazards to deal with in regards to human effects. Here in the Midwest the hazard effects are more limited to just our everyday lives such as car accidents from iced over roads, but what about those that aren't used to these cold, snowy temperatures? Winter Storm Cleon is currently making it's way throughout the United States, starting on the West Coast and now making it's way throughout the Midwest. But states also being effected include Texas, Oklahoma, and Central California, all areas that aren't nearly as used to these hazards as we are. A perfect example of freezing temperatures, something we consider to just be part of our lives in the winter months, can be considered a hazard is in California. The article I read states that 85% of citrus crops are still on the vine in Central California, and area used to high temperatures. Throw in this winter storm, and imagine the loss that has farmers crossing their fingers that their crops can make it through these cold temperatures. To put into perspective just how cold this winter storm is, Pullman, Washington had temperatures fall below zero for the first time in nearly three years. Tuesday in Lubbock, Texas the high was 77, on Saturday morning it's estimated to be below 10. Very few cities are going to be prepared for this type of cold. Throw in the predicted mixture of snow and frozen ice, and the effects could be huge. The article states that ice in Dallas could knock out the power for the majority of the city. This goes to show the power of this storm. Think of the number of people, businesses, and schools that would be effected if the power went out in one of the largest cities in the United States. Another aspect is the size of this storm. The article points out that the only states likely to not be effected will be the East Coast. The wrath of Cleon will be felt by nearly the entire nation, a pretty eye-opening point as to the overall effects one event can have on millions of people. Overall, this could just be a storm that makes people a little colder than normal for a few days. But it also has the potential to have a life changing impact on citrus growers in California, and people without power in Dallas. The next few days will certainty be interesting, to see the power of of Winter Storm Cleon. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/03/21734950-arctic-invasion-brutal-weather-system-threatens-most-of-us-with-snow-ice-wind?lite