More Snow and Dangerous Cold on Tap for Midwest

A persistent weather pattern is pushing extremely cold air south out of the Arctic to cause temperatures to plunge in the Midwest early this week, making this winter one of the coldest on record in some locations. Starting Monday and lasting for a couple of days, the actual outdoor temps will range from low double digits to below zero with wind chills making it feel -30 to -40. The National Weather Service reported Sunday night that the Midwest will feel very cold on Monday and even colder that the most northern city in the country which is Barrow, Alaska where the temperature will be -4.

Over the weekend, people living in the greater Chicago area were preparing for a very cold Monday as the high will only be -4 or so. It could go as low as -17 in the city with wind chills making it feel like it’s -40. The bitter cold will hang over the Chicago area well into Tuesday. Due to the extreme cold, the University of Illinois at Chicago and Chicago Public Schools both have canceled classes for Monday.

The arctic cold temperatures in the Midwest are causing all types of problems ranging from ice jams on rivers to falling icicles. A woman was injured in Pennsylvania Sunday when she was hit in the head by a piece of ice that fell from the roof of a building. The blowing and drifting snow has caused numerous roadways to close down across the Midwest which has prompted the closure of schools in many areas including the state of Michigan. The drifting snow is so deep in the Mid-Michigan area that it caused a massive snow plow to become stuck on a rural roadway this weekend.

Many people are experiencing problems getting their vehicles to start due to the extreme cold. AAA of Michigan reminded people this weekend to check the condition of their batteries and to keep jumper cables in their vehicles in case they don’t start in this extreme weather. The insurance carrier is also reminding people to carry first aide kits, extra clothing, flashlights and sand or kitty litter.

Many homeowners in the Midwest have experienced problems with frozen pipes inside their homes this winter. People living in homes older than 10 years are having the most problems with frozen water pipes which burst when thawing out. This is because newer homes which were built in the past ten years have been constructed with water pipes made from high density polyethylene which is resistant to freezing.

  • FAQ on Water Damage

    How Can You Cleanup Water Damage on Your Own?

    Cleaning up water damage can be a difficult and time-consuming task. However, there are some things that you can do to clean up the damage and prevent further damage from occurring. The first thing that you need to do is to remove any wet items from the area. This includes carpeting, furniture, draperies, and anything else that is wet. Once you have removed these items, you need to dry the area as much as possible. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water from the area. You can also use fans to help dry the area. Once the area is dry, you need to disinfect it. This can be done by using a bleach solution or a disinfectant. Once the area is dry and disinfected, you need to repair any damage that has been done. This includes any holes in the walls or ceilings. You also need to repair any damaged flooring. If you have any questions about how to cleanup water damage, you should contact a professional. They will be able to give you more information and help you repair the damage.

    How fast does mold grow after a water leak?

    Under the right conditions, mold can grow within 24-48 hours. Factors that contribue to mold growth include the temperature of the area impacted by water damage and the types of materials that are saturated.

    What happens if you leave water damage?

    Leaving water damage untreated will cause it to spread, potentially damaging other areas of your home. Additionally, long-term exposure to water can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause serious health problems.

    What is the best way to dry out water damage?

    The first step is to remove the water source. If the water is coming from a leaky pipe, then you will need to fix the pipe. If the water is coming from a flood, then you will need to wait for the water to recede. Once the water source has been removed, you will need to dry out the area. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or by using fans and dehumidifiers. You will also need to remove any wet items from the area, such as carpeting, furniture, or clothing.

    How can you tell if a wall or ceiling has water damage

    You can tell if a wall or ceiling has water damage if it is sagging, discolored, or has water stains. A professional restoration contractor can use a moisture meter or infrared camera to detect wet spots and hidden water damage.