Great Lakes Insurance Services Group
Brace Yourselves, Erie! After Record-Breaking Snowfall, an Alberta Clipper is on the Way 🌨️
Learn how to prepare for the next wave of freezing temperatures and prevent frozen pipes before they burst. We want to prepare you ahead of the storm.
What is an Alberta Clipper?
The National Weather Service explains it as, “A fast-moving low-pressure system that moves southeast out of Canadian Province of Alberta (southwest Canada) through the Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes region usually during the winter. This low-pressure area is usually accompanied by light snow, strong winds, and colder temperatures.” For a visual explanation, The Weather Channel has created a video illustrating how an Alberta Clipper forms and what weather conditions it will bring.
The National Weather Service indicates that the Clipper will move through the Great Lakes region from Wednesday night (Dec. 4) into Thursday (Dec. 5). Erie and nearby areas could see several additional inches of snow, with localized totals potentially reaching up to 6-12 inches. Unlike our recent lake-effect snow, the Alberta Clipper is a fast-moving system with lighter but widespread snowfall. However, strong winds associated with the Clipper could create blowing snow and hazardous travel conditions.
What causes pipes to burst?
Bursting water pipes are a significant concern when winter temperatures drop. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands into ice, creating pressure that can eventually rupture the pipe. This can lead to costly flooding and water damage.
Which pipes are most at risk?
- Exposed Pipes: Pipes located outside of building insulation.
- Unheated Interior Areas: Basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces.
- Mobile Homes: Pipes in mobile homes are particularly vulnerable.
What to do if a pipe is clogged with ice:
- Expose the Pipe to Heat: Allow warm air from your home to reach the frozen pipe.
- Turn Off the Water: Temporarily shut off water flow to relieve pressure and help break up the ice.
What to do if a pipe bursts:
- Shut Off the Water Supply: If it’s safe to do so, turn off the water to minimize flooding.
- Call a Plumber Immediately: Professional help is essential to repair the pipe and mitigate water damage.
Tips for Freezing Pipes Prevention
Note: protectyourpipes.org is a great resource on frozen and bursting pipe prevention.
- Set your home thermostats above 55 degrees.
- Keep water moving. This helps pipes keep from freezing.
- Insulate your pipes in unheated areas.
- Open cabinets that are securing the pipe to warm them up.
- Close the inside valves and keep the outside valves open.
For more detailed weather updates, you can follow local sources like the National Weather Service or trusted weather platforms like AccuWeather and Fox Weather.
For quick tips in those last-minute moments, save the image below to your phone’s camera roll! It’s a handy reference when you need to prevent frozen pipes on the go.
