Category Archives: Weather

Believe It or Not (not!) – Spring is Right Around the Corner!

February 20, 2015Our Cities, WeatherFarmer's Almanac, First Day of SpringJoanne

Really, it is. I couldn’t believe it myself but when I went to schedule something on my calendar for next month, there it was March 20 First Day of Spring.

That’s exactly one month from today when the high temperature might reach 13 degrees later this afternoon without wind chills factored into the equation.

While the calendar doesn’t lie, Mother Nature likes to tease us. Just last Sunday afternoon when it was sunny with minus wind chills, my friends and I saw two robins flirting about a tree surrounded by a five-foot drift! It was confusing for sure – “Hey robins! Yeah! Spring!” Then we realized the pile of snow. “Wait – what? How are they going survive without eating worms?! – Won’t they die? – What are they doing here NOW?”

We remain baffled and wondering if they survived the week.

Meanwhile, back to the calendar that doesn’t lie, it is true that the first day of Spring is Friday, March 20. I can say with confidence that about a million Americans are ready for it! We just need to send the memo to Mother Nature. Here is what the “2015 Farmer’s Almanac” predicts:

MARCH 2015: temperature 33° (5° below avg.); precipitation 2″ (1″ below avg.); Mar 1-10: Snow showers, cold; Mar 11-14: Showers, mild; Mar 15-24: Snow, then flurries, cold; Mar 25-31: Snow, then a few showers, cool.

That sounds about par with what we’re going through now, but I’d like to pray for the miracle of a warm spell. Mother Nature, it’s your game. We are but mere pawns in your strategy. In the meantime, think Spring people! Think really hard!

WM Solar Heat Trumps Winter Cold

February 20, 2015Area Education, Community Health, Local Faces, Senior Living, Weathersolar heat trumps winter cold, solar power in West MichiganJoanne

A cold grey day in Michigan may not seem like the best time to rely on solar heating systems, but Lou Haveman in Grandville would disagree. “We produce our own electricity,” says Lou, “and when we produce more than we need, it goes back on the grid.” More than he needs to power a house full of appliances, including his furnace? Yes, even in the coldest weather.

Lou still gets some of his electricity from Consumers Energy. But in December 2013 he installed a solar system in his home and spent all of 2014 watching his energy bills go down by nearly 60%. At 12 cents a kilowatt, that adds up to a savings of about $725.

It wasn’t all about saving money for Lou. He’s a strong supporter of what is sometimes called Creation Care – acting as a loving steward for Planet Earth http://www.creationcare.org/

Lou explains, “Simply to live in balance with nature, recognizing environmental issues need to be addressed. It’s one thing to talk about it, it’s another thing to act on it.”

And it’s not easy to take action. “Consumers Energy actually has a lottery system. They allocate so many kilowatt hours for solar. You submit your application and by lottery if you’re selected, then you’re approved.” Lou says finding someone you trust who is skilled and experienced in solar installation is critical. “Initially, I’m pretty handy. I thought this is something I could do, but realistically that isn’t a viable option.”

Some rebates or tax incentives are available for homeowners who want to install alternative energy programs. But even though Lou got lucky in the lottery, eventually found Solar Winds to plan and install his system, and qualified for a 30% tax credit, he still had to spend about $20,000 to make it happen. Still Lou looks to the future. He expects to recover all the cost of the installation in about 10 years’ time, after which his electricity will be virtually free.

“But in addition to that,” says Lou, “it’s just incredibly rewarding to look at that meter and see it run backwards. I realize not everyone has the financial resources [to invest in alternative energy], but if we do I think it’s imperative that we do so.”

For a video version of this story, click on the play button at the top of the page.

Dangerously Cold Weather Prompts Health Warnings

February 12, 2015Our Cities, Senior Living, Weatherextreme cold safety tips, Kent County Health DepartmentJoanne

by Kent County Emergency Management & Health Department

Arctic air is expected to blast into Kent County in the coming days, with the potential to bring record low temperatures and wind chills could reach -35 in the coming days. The Kent County Health Department and Kent County Emergency Management urge residents take every precaution possible with these extreme cold days and nights.

“Be aware of the conditions outdoors, even if you only plan on going outside for a few minutes,” said Jack Stewart, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “Check on your family members, your friends, and your neighbors, especially those who are elderly. The cold can be especially harsh on young children, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and seniors.” Respiratory issues can occur from breathing in cold air, such as asthma attacks. Be sure children with asthma are wearing a scarf when outdoors, and if they appear to have trouble breathing, get them to a warm, sheltered area immediately.

“Frostbite sets in quick, especially in small pets and young children, when we see negative wind chills,” says Adam London, Administrative Health Officer of the Kent County Health Department. “If you are going outdoors, wear layers of light, warm clothing, mittens or gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots. And keep a close eye on children.”

Symptoms of frostbite include redness, numbness or pain, white or grayish-yellow skin, or skin that feels unusually firm or waxy. Frostbite most often affects the extremities: nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, or toes. If the person appears to be very tired or lethargic, is having trouble breathing or talking, shivers or fumbles his or her hands, or seems confused, call 911 immediately. Try to keep the person warm until help arrives.

If driving in these conditions, make sure your car has more than enough gas to reach your destination. Keep a cell phone and phone charger in the car, and keep an emergency kit and blanket within your reach.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure they are on a leash or in a fenced in area when they need to relieve themselves. The smaller the pet, the quicker the cold impacts them. Puppies and kittens are especially sensitive to the cold, as are older pets. Watch out for community cats that might crawl under the hood of your car to keep warm. Bang loudly on the hood before starting the car, and never leave pets in a car during the winter. Temperatures can be just as cold inside the car as they are outdoors.

Stay Safe and Warm this Winter With These Tips

January 8, 2015Community Health, WeatherOld man winter, Protect your pipes, Winter WeatherJoanne

Old Man Winter hit hard—really hard these past few weeks. With wind chills below zero and temperatures continue to dip, it’s important to stay warm and safe.

The American Red Cross offers these safety tips. Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible. Mittens are warmer than gloves and get water/resistant coats and boots.

Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog.

Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the task.

Check on your animals. If possible, bring them indoors

Protect your pipes

Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.

Frostbite and Hypothermia

Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related emergencies that may quickly become life or limb threatening. Preventing cold-related emergencies includes not starting an activity in, on, or around cold water unless you know you can get help quickly in an emergency.

Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water but avoid caffeine and alcohol. Stay active to maintain body heat. Take frequent breaks from the cold.

Avoid unnecessary exposure of any part of the body to the cold. Get out of the cold immediately if the signals of hypothermia or frostbite appear.

So stay warm and safe out there.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

December 13, 2014Recreation, WeatherMichigan's Secretary of State offices, Recreatoion PassortJoanne

The Recreation Passport is your key to winter fun at state parks

Whether you ski, sled, toboggan, ice fish, snowmobile or snowshoe, Michigan’s state parks offer lots of seasonal fun. Michigan motorists can get in on the fun by buying a Recreation Passport when they renew their plate tabs or get a new plate, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminded residents today.

Many state parks offer snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities and events, among other wintertime outdoor activities, and state boat launches are great places for anglers to find new ice-fishing spots. Select state parks offer winter camping opportunities in lodges, yurts, tepees and several types of cabins.

“Winter is a great time of year and offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Johnson, who loves the outdoors and has been known to kayak in January. “I encourage people renewing their plate tab to help support Michigan’s exceptional parks by buying a Recreation Passport. For only $11, the natural wonder of Michigan’s woods and waters can be yours all year long.”

The Recreation Passport allows Michigan motorists the option of paying an additional $11 per vehicle, or $5 per motorcycle, when renewing a vehicle registration or registering a new vehicle. The letter “P” is printed on the vehicle tab of people who have bought the Recreation Passport. The passport allows entry into Michigan state parks and recreational areas, forest campgrounds, and boat launch and nonmotorized trail head parking for no additional cost.

“Michigan’s state parks, trails, boat launches and other outdoor spaces are true treasures. They make our state a great place to live, work and play,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh. “Checking ‘yes’ to the Recreation Passport allows people to enjoy these treasures and ensures that these important natural areas will be around for generations to come.”

A nonresident vehicle Recreation Passport is available at any state park or online at www.michigan.gov/estore.

Motorists can renew plates for individually owned or leased cars, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles up to six months before they expire. Most customers can renew online at ExpressSOS.com, which features Print N Go technology, allowing users to buy their tabs online, print off a receipt and carry the receipt as proof of renewal until their tabs arrive in the mail. Tabs may also be renewed through the mail or at a Secretary of State office. License plates that expire on a day when state offices are closed can be renewed the next business day without penalty.

In FY 2014, more than 1.9 million Recreation Passports were issued, generating almost $21 million for state parks.

Learn more about the state parks Recreation Passport at www.Michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

Tornado forever changes Wyoming’s Ideal Park

November 26, 2014Upcoming Events, WeatherIdeal Park, Tornado, Tornado damage Ideal ParkJoanne

The City of Wyoming has owned & operated Ideal Park, 5843 Crippen Avenue SW, since 1938. On July 6, 2014, the park was significantly changed when a tornado destroyed the playgrounds and most of the trees, changing the character of the park so that a new development plan is necessary to guide investment priorities.

The tornado’s destruction, coupled with regular flooding from Buck Creek has also resulted in the need to renovate the parking lot, basketball and tennis courts. All combined, this requires us to evaluate the park’s design, facilities, and functional relationships related to your family’s interests, community programming needs, and general public uses.

Your input is actively sought and greatly desired.

Please join the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department and our consultant P.M. Blough, Inc. to share your ideas and opinions on the park and its future redevelopment:

When: TUESDAY DECEMBER 2, 2014 6:30 pm

Where: IDEAL PARK CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH ACTIVITY CENTER 320 56TH ST SW Wyoming, MI 49548

Residents, business owners, school representatives – everyone who has an interest in Ideal Park’s use and development is strongly encouraged to attend this meeting. If you are unable to attend, written comments may be submitted to the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at P.O. Box 905, 1155 – 28th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 or may be emailed to parks_info@wyomingmi.gov.

On behalf of the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission, thank you for helping make our community a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Snow Days on the Horizon for Pure Michigan

November 14, 2014Our Cities, Recreation, Reviews, WeatherMichigan Winter, Pure Michigan, Snow DaysJoanne

Michigan has a lot to offer in the winter

As fall colors fade and temperatures drop, Pure Michigan is ushering in winter weather fun with the release of the 2014 Pure Michigan Winter Guide. The michigan.org website and social channels, including Facebook and Twitter, are also switching into winter gear for the season.

“Michigan offers residents and visitors alike a perfect opportunity to take a snow day and enjoy all the winter season has to offer,” said Leslie Hornung, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “This travel guide inspires people to embrace the beauty and unique events found in Michigan all winter long, while providing valuable tips and information to help plan a wide variety of getaways throughout the season.”

Individuals can request a copy of the 2014 Pure Michigan Winter Travel Guide at michigan.org or by calling toll-free (888) 784-7328. The guide will also be available at the 14 Michigan Welcome Centers across the state as well as in a free, universally accessible digital edition, which will allow users to access the guide from their desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablets.

Feature stories in this year’s winter guide include Into the Woods, a look at ways to explore Michigan’s backcountry – from snowmobiling to fat-tire biking; Winter Weekend Escapes, highlighting ski resorts around the state; and Cool Catch showcasing Michigan’s ice fishing assets. Those who prefer the indoors will want to check out The Art of Pie, with information on hands-on classes for the perfect pie, and Indoor Explorers to find kid-focused museums that entertain and educate.

The publication also includes a guide to Michigan state parks and trails and a winter events calendar. Once again, 100,000 copies of the winter guides have been printed at Quad Graphics in Midland, Michigan.

Last month, Pure Michigan teamed up with Lands’ End to offer fans across the nation the chance to win an ultimate winter getaway at Boyne Highlands Resort. There is still time to sign up to win, with the sweepstakes running through November 14, 2014. The prize package features a five day/four night trip for five to Boyne Highlands Resort including skiing, snowshoeing, winter zip-lining, spa services and access to the indoor water park at nearby Boyne Mountain. Additionally the winner will receive a $1,000 gift card from Lands’ End to outfit their Michigan adventure.

Michigan is home to 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, 3,000 miles of cross country skiing trails and is second in the nation for the number of ski areas found across the state. Offering activities as diverse as tubing, ice fishing dog sledding and snowboarding Michigan winter vacations has something for everyone from outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers to families – much of which can be found in the 2014 winter guide.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: michiganbusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org.

Protect Yourself and Loved Ones When Tornadoes hit!

August 10, 2014WeatherJoanne

On July 5, an EF1 tornado hit the Southern Metro area that caused millions of dollars in damage to properties. Residents in Wyoming and Kentwood continue to work on fixing all of the destruction. About 400 of our residents were effected. The tornado stripped floors and ceilings of businesses and homes. Parks were demolished and vehicles and residences destroyed.

The Michigan Disaster Center states, “Compared with other states Michigan ranks number 20 for frequency of tornadoes, 5 for numbers of death, 8 for injuries and 22 for cost of damages.”

What is the best way to protect our neighbors and loved ones from a disaster such as this? The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) makes suggestion on some safety precautions:

-Keep at least a 3-day water supply per person and don’t forget about your pets.

-Get a refrigerator thermometer to be sure of safe storage temperatures if you lose electricity. Freeze extra containers of water ahead of time. use ice chests in case power is out for more than 4 hours.

The National Weather Service Office gives some more important tips on how to recognize signs of a tornado:

-Strong persistent rotation in cloud base.

-Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base

-Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead, calm, or fast, intense wind shift.

-A loud, continuous roar or rumble that also has a whistling sound.

If you are in a house with a basement: Avoid windows! Get in the basement and under some kind of heavy table or work bench. Cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Never go under pianos, refrigerators, or water beds. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding mattress.

Go to the lowest floor, small center room–like a bathroom or closet–under a stair well or in an interior hallway with no windows for more safety.

You should not try to outrun a tornado in your car. An EF-1 tornado can push a moving car off the road and an EF-2 tornado can pick a car off the ground.

Never hide under an overpass. Try to get to a nearby building and go inside to the lowest level without windows.

If there are not any buildings nearby, though, you can still protect yourself. If you spot a tornado, stop your car. If you can safely get lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie as low as possible. Be sure to cover your head with your hands or an object. Move away from your vehicle. Do not hide underneath it, debris could fall on top of it and smash you.

For more tips on how to protect yourself in a car, truck, shopping mall, church, office building, or mobile home go to www.disastercenter.com. In order to find out how to apply for financial assistance, check out: www.fema.gov. If you would like information about current severe weather check out the Storm Prediction Center at www.weather.gov.