The sun may not come out tomorrow, but the frigid temperatures of today should ease by Tuesday.
“We’ll warm up tomorrow — that’s a relative term — to 26,” said Scott Blair, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Topeka.
Weekend temperatures had been almost balmy on Saturday and Sunday, with a high of 60 degrees recorded on Saturday and an overnight low of 52, recorded just before midnight on Saturday.
Sunday began at 53 degrees at 5:53 a.m. After that, temperatures began a steady drop throughout the day. By this morning, the NWS showed an air temperature of 4 degrees in Emporia, with a dewpoint of minus 7.
Blustery winds blasted Emporia and the remainder of eastern Kansas throughout the weekend. Gusts in Emporia were recorded in the mid-40 miles per hour steadily on Saturday; gusts diminished into the 30-mph range on Sunday.
Blair forecast the overnight low at about 11 degrees tonight, with precipitation headed into the area overnight.
“All this precipitation with this activity is going to be in the form of snow,” Blair said. “The initial thoughts for total snowfall accumulation for that area will be averaging right around an inch. ... We’re finally cold enough all through the vertical column to support all snow.”
A little sleet and snow were reported briefly in Emporia Sunday evening. A slight bit of warm air that had remained caused the small amount of sleet, he said.
The bitingly cold weather also brought warnings that residents take care when using furnaces and alternative heating devices, such as propane or kerosene heaters, and other equipment.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and other safety groups issued these recommendations to help people stay safer during the winter cold:
• Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
• Have fireplaces checked and cleaned before using them.
• Install smoke alarms near bedrooms and on each floor of your home; test monthly and change batteries once a year.
• Make sure heating equipment is installed properly.
• Have a trained specialist inspect your heating system annually
• Keep portable space heaters at least three feet from combustibles, including bedding, furniture and clothing.
• Never drape clothing over a space heater to dry.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters; do not leave them alone in a room with a space heater in use.
• Have chimney connections and flues of wood-burning stoves checked each year.
• Make sure the stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and coals.
• Generators, grills, hibachis, camp stoves, or other devices fueled by gasoline, propane, or charcoal should not be used inside a home, basement, garage, or camper, nor should they be used outside near an open window.
• Every home needs at least one working carbon monoxide detector, with batteries checked and/or replaced every six months.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death if inhaled. More than 500 people die each year from accidental CO poisoning, the CDC reported.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion
People who are asleep or have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning without noticing symptoms.
The CDC warned that cold weather puts extra strain on the heart. People who have heart disease or high blood pressure need to consult with their doctors for advice about shoveling snow or performing strenuous tasks in the cold.
d23_66801 (anonymous) says...
why, i can't even get kansas gas service to turn on the gas to keep my children warm
December 15, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
d23_66801 (anonymous) says...
thank you, your in my prayers
December 16, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
Just a question here. I know I'm going to get a razzing for this. I know I'm not the only one thinking though. Why can't you get your gas turned on? Do they not have the time or can you not afford it? If its the latter how do you afford internet? Unless you are at work online of course.
December 16, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
I hope my post wasn't taken for sarcasm. It was not intended that way. Does this person need help is what I'm asking.
December 16, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
d23_66801 (anonymous) says...
i'm not looking for hand outs so dont worry was in a divorce which did not allow me to shut off the gas for my ex and she ran it high so now i am not allowed to turn it on oh and as for the internet thing i am using a friends since the gas company told me to take my kids and go to a shelter there is nothing that they could do!
December 16, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
d23, have you tried the Salvation Army? Are you employed? I believe that if you can arrange some sort of repayment that they can help you. It's worth a phone call. 342-3093.
December 16, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
Thank you d23 for your honest answer. I will keep your family in my prayers. Again there really was no sarcasm meant in my post. I was mearly curious of your situation. I also have to say, WOW! I just can't fathom the electric company doing this to you in this weather no matter what the reason. WOW!
December 16, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
In New England, there are laws that prevent gas/heat companies from NOT turning on the heat...I cannot believe that greed of these companies is leaving families in the cold. That's just ridiculous and shameful.
d23, I'm so so sorry.
Melissa
December 16, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
slipandslide (anonymous) says...
unless you own your home, maybe you can spend your money to move into an all electric or all utilities paid apartment.
December 16, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
d23_66801 (anonymous) says...
thank you all, but now you can rest at ease my landlord put it in her name
December 16, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
d23_66801 (anonymous) says...
thank you all for the support
December 16, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
d23_66801 (anonymous) says...
just remember there is another family out there just like mine. Keep them in your hearts
December 16, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
altamae (anonymous) says...
instead of questioning d23, why dont you ask why his worthless ex was allowed to wrack up the bill in his name and then not have to pay it? not all men are bad. sounds like this guy was a victim of a vindictive ex wife.
December 16, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
Alta DUH! Thats kinda what we were trying to find out. Funny you felt it necessary to comment/give a tongue lashing after ALL is settled. just gotta love that...
d23 good luck and thank you for the gentle reminder to us all. A reminder that there are people in need. Especially in this season. God bless.
On a differant note though.... My great grandma's name (God rest her soul) was Alta Mae. Small world.
December 16, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
altamae (anonymous) says...
sorry i offended you weltha. Guess you have a right to be the way you want! Too bad!
December 16, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
I'll bite this one time. It seems as if you are looking for trouble tonight. Don't worry altamae you didn't offend me. Takes a little more than that. Thanks for being sorry though. I would like know what ya meant by
"Guess you have a right to be the way you want! Too bad!"
What way? I have not said one negative thing to d23. I have only expressed concern along with all the other posters. Please do explain yourself. I might get a good laugh tonight yet.
Weltha with a capital W if ya wanna draw hairs..... have a great evening honey.
December 16, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
altamae (anonymous) says...
not looking for trouble by any means weltha. I thought i had a right to state my opinion, thats all. And just a thought, I have been in contact with D23 through his ordeal with the gas co. asking if there was anything I could do to help, what about you? I wish you a wonderful evening too.
December 16, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
slipandslide (anonymous) says...
All's well that ends well
December 16, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
altamae- Yes, you have a right to state your opinion. I also have the right to ask why the personal attack.
This comment was meant to cause trouble. Point out to me what I said that you deem worthy of this comment. This is not an "opinion" its an attack.
"Guess you have a right to be the way you want! Too bad!"
I also consider it if not an attack but rude for you still type my name lower case after I stated it needs to be a capital W. Oh this level is fun to be on. Not to worry though I'm done being 12.
I don't know d23 personally and have no way to contact him, so to answer your question... No, I have not. That does not mean I am not concerned for the wellbeing of the family unit. Do YOU know for sure that I haven't tryed??? I am concerned about why his ex got away with what she did but really didn't feel it necessary to pour salt in his wounds. I won't bother you any longer unless its legit.
Sorry to all others for the thread hijack. I got lead down the wrong path. Sorry most to d23 for making light of your situation with my last 2 posts.
December 16, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
I sure am glad I don't have to stand outside to smoke in weather like this! I could get pneumonia!
December 16, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Weltha,
I don't know if you've ever noticed this or not, but these forums light up as soon as cold weather hits. Don't take it personally--there are a lot of crabby people out there with only computer and tv screens to occupy their time. Also, the closer they feel to any given situation, the crabbier they usually are. Everyone else who was watching this thread was very aware of your concern and what purpose it served to ask the questions you asked. I think we were also relieved that you could manage to ask the concerned questions that we were afraid we couldn't get across right; thank you. We were also perplexed by the attack you recieved, but you vindicated yourself and you can now just chalk it up to the VERY COLD WEATHER!!!
December 16, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
d23_66801 (anonymous) says...
alta maye is my grandmothers name don't smear it this is about the gas company! Glad to be home it's about the cold babies not me yeah she hit you hard, but get used to it. You are worring about things in iraq when there are things going on here. You guys need to think before you type Bring this up some time and i'll be imperessed that you care!
December 16, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
d23_66801 (anonymous) says...
weltha who are you my great grandma was alta maybe were related d23_66801@yahoo.com let me know
December 16, 2008 at 11:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
altamae (anonymous) says...
i was not attacking weltha just the ex wife. that was the reason he was unable to have his gas turned on in the first place! how is that fair to his children? that was my point
December 17, 2008 at 6:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Observation,
Thank you for the Christmas Greeting.
I learned yesterday that unfortunately, the Salvation Army's main number at the pantry was left out when the phone book was printed. Too bad because it's such an important number. At any rate, I wanted to share that number. They do so much good for those who need help.
Let me take a moment here to urge everyone to help the Salvation Army, especially at this time of year when folks need help with their utility bills. Also, when you go grocery shopping, please remember to put one or two cans of food in the Pantry's grocery basket. All stores have them. I like to put in a canned meat product and a box of Kleenex. I know, can't eat Kleenex, but sure is nice to have when you or your babies have a cold.
This gas company situation raises a question. Ever notice the "Gift of Warmth" contribution on your gas bills? Isn't this what that is for?
Merry Christmas to you too, Observation. And d23, I'm glad your problem has been solved.
December 17, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
crack, give it a rest!
December 17, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )