The winter storm that is coming for the national capital region, informally named Jonas, could dump over 30 inches of snow over the weekend.
While the only storms that are formally given names are tropical systems, some have been referring to the approaching blizzard as Jonas, a name that originated from the Weather Channel.
The network names winter systems from A through Z, similar to how the National Hurricane Center provides names to tropical systems. The Weather Channel's names are not formally recognized by official agencies such as the National Weather Service, but for now, it seems that the name Jonas will stick.
The Weather Channel said that it is easier for citizens to follow and prepare for an incoming winter storm if it is given a name, and for Jonas, close monitoring and intense preparation might well be needed.
According to the National Weather Service, Washington D.C. could find itself buried under 29 inches of snow by Sunday evening, which would top the record set by the Knickerbocker blizzard back in January of 1922, when 28 inches of snow was measured. That winter storm was named after Crandall's Knickerbocker Theatre, which saw its roof collapse under the collective weight of the snow. The incident killed 98 people and injured 133 more.
Jonas is forecast to release heavy snowfall into at least 15 states starting in the afternoon of Jan. 22 and continuing into the evening of Sunday. Rare blizzard warnings have been issued for the metropolitan areas of Baltimore and Washington, while blizzard watches have spread northward toward Philadelphia and New York City.
"This is going to be a legitimate blizzard," said The Weather Channel meteorologist Ari Sarsalari, adding that some of the snow figures are staggering and that on Saturday, Jan. 23, travel could be impossible within the mid-Atlantic region.
Looking at the larger picture, more than 77 million people, which represents almost a quarter of the population of the United States, were covered by winter weather warnings, winter storm watches and winter weather advisories. For those who are bracing for the wrath of Jonas, here are some things to remember to help with preparations.
American Red Cross
• Winterize your vehicle and fill up the gas tank, which will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Insulate the home through the installation of storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside.
• Put together a supply kit that includes water and food that will last at least three days, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, medications, extra batteries and cash, among other things.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Prepare a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuel.
• Ensure mobile phones are completely charged.
• When outdoors, wear appropriate clothing, carry a mobile phone and sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches.
• If stranded in a vehicle, stay within the car unless safety is less than 100 yards away. If not, keep the arms and legs moving. Also, keep the car visible by placing a bright cloth on the antenna, switching on the overhead light inside and raising the hood when the snow stops falling. Lastly, run the engine and heater for only 10 minutes for every hour.
Ready.gov
• Stay home and only go outdoors only when absolutely necessary.
• Keep dry by changing wet clothes frequently, as not doing so would lead to loss of body heat.
• Seek medical help immediately upon detecting signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
