I’m fascinated by the weather, preparing for an El Nina winter

Kathleen Anderson

I am a weather nut. I watch the news for the weather and follow it online because I find it fascinating.

Lately, I have been learning more about El Nina, the weather phenomenon predicted to visit us this winter. Since September is National Preparedness Month, I thought I would share what I have found with you.

I think we are all aware that Western Washington’s fall and winter weather often involves heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, intense damaging wind storms and lowland snow and ice.

According to MY Northwest, the wind storm season usually begins in October. The nation’s strongest non-tropical storm in the lower 48 in American history occurred on October 12, 1962 – The Columbus Day Storm.

Wind in the interior Western Washington exceeded 100 mph, knocking down thousands of trees, damaging homes, and utilities, with power out for two weeks, and resulting in 46 fatalities.

This region usually gets a strong windstorm about every ten years. This area's last significant wind storm was the Hanukah Eve Wind Storm in 2006. Our region is way overdue – which makes me very nervous.

Our home has already lost several trees due to recent winds and we, along with neighbors, have lost power several times.

El Nina also means snow earlier than later and more rain.

What To Do?

Fall has officially arrived so it is time to get ready for what’s ahead.  Here are some tips my family have used:

• Make sure your flu, RSV and COVID vaccinations are up to date.
• Get your car and tires serviced.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full.
• If possible, get a generator and plenty of gas.
• Have your heat source checked/cleaned and replace household filters if needed.
• Stock up on charcoal and/or propane in case indoor cooking is not an option.
• Stock up on staples - food and paper supplies
• Get acquainted with our local grocery delivery services and/or Meals on Wheels. https://www.southsoundseniors.org/nutrition/meals-on-wheels
• If you no longer drive, sign up now for transportation services. Family and friends may not be able to get you to medical or other necessary appointments. https://www.southsoundseniors.org/supportive-services/transportation
• Stock up on batteries and candles.
• Dig out the sweats, boots, coats, umbrellas, gloves, and hats.
• Gather extra blankets to spread around the house
• If you have a fireplace, stock up on wood.
• Gather shovels and other tools that might be needed in an accessible place.
• Stock up on rock salt or kitty litter for icy walkways.
• Have WD-40 on hand to prevent frozen locks on your car and home.
• Secure extra warmth, if possible, for your outdoor animals and make sure you have enough food for them. If you need help providing food for your pets go to https://www.southsoundseniors.org/supportive-services/pals
• Break out the board games and decks of cards.
• Share and/or trade books with family members and friends – for your reading pleasure and that of your younger family members.
• Lay in a supply of pens, paper, and crayons – for youngsters and for your thoughts.
• Consider storytelling, singing songs, encouraging grandkids to put on plays; in short, reconnecting minus phones, televisions, and computers – it’s not all bad when the power is gone.
• Arrange signals with neighbors like sounding car alarms or raising or lowering window blinds by a certain time daily if you need help, in case phones can’t be charged.
• Most of all be safe – and don’t forget to check on elderly neighbors.

Kathleen Anderson writes this column each week from her home in Olympia. Contact her at kathleen@theJOLTnews.com or post your comments.