How Much Snow is Binghamton Going to Get Today?

The simple answer to "how much snow is Binghamton going to get today?" is....nobody really knows for sure.

The Weather Channel says we should expect 12-18 inches of snow. The National Weather Service says we should expect 6-8 inches and our friends at WBNG say we should look for 6-10 inches.

While we don't know exactly how much snow to expect, we do know some things we can do to prepare in case of the worst and one of the worst things that could happen during a snow storm is for the power to go out because it's so cold.  Here are some things to keep in mind if the power does go out during this storm:

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer clothes should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Mittens are better than gloves.
• Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in the extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove any wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages, if the victim is conscious. Get medical help, as soon as possible.
• Snowdrifts can be used as a makeshift freezer for food. (Be aware of attracting animals though).
• Snow can be melted for an additional water source.
• In order to protect against possible voltage irregularities that can occur when power is restored, you should unplug all sensitive electronic equipment, including TVs, stereo, VCR, microwave oven, computer, cordless telephone, answering machine and garage door opener.