Watching the winter storm from the window may feel beautiful. But the reality is harsh. It can be extremely troublesome for you. Power outages are one of the most common issues. It can lead to unexpected problems. There are ways that you can follow to stay safe and comfortable. Here’s how to tackle winter storm power outages. 

Why Does the Power Go Out During a Storm?

Power outages during winter storms occur for several reasons. The core reasons are snow and ice on electric lines. Besides, strong winds and overloading are also responsible for power outages. Let’s try to understand the reasons: 

1. Snow and Ice on Lines

Power lines get weighed down by heavy snow and ice, and heavy-weight can snap the lines or break the poles. Branches are falling on power lines because of ice accumulation on trees. This cut the power to our homes and neighborhoods.

2. High Winds Damaging Power Infrastructure

Winter storms bring strong winds. These winds knock over poles. Extreme weather can also destroy transformers. Even short bursts of wind can disrupt the power supply. This leads to power outages in large regions.

3. Increased Electricity Demand Overloading

The consumption of electricity increases during cold weather.  The system may be overloaded due to high demand such as people starting to use heaters and other electric appliances, resulting in temporary outages. In some cases, power needs to be cut off in some regions to avoid blackouts in larger regions.

What are The Key Impacts of Winter Storm Power Outages on Homes?

Homes can be severely impacted by power failures in winters. Some are immediate, while others are developed over time. It includes: 

1. Loss of Home Heating

Most heating systems cease operations in the absence of electricity. Electric heaters, electric heat pumps, and even some gas systems with electric components stop functioning. This reduces the indoor temperatures quickly. This exposes the residents to the risk of cold-related diseases.

2. Food Spoilage During Power Outages

Fridges and freezers rely on electricity to preserve food, and extended power outages can quickly lead to spoilage, resulting in waste and additional expenses. Knowing the food storage time without power helps with emergency planning, and backup power options or ice packs can help keep food safe during outages.

3. Increased Household Safety Risks

Power cuts can make houses insecure. Dark rooms put the risk of falls and injuries. Using electric stoves or space heaters can be dangerous without backups. You need to develop an emergency backup plan necessary to minimize the risks. 

How Long Do Winter Power Outages Last?

It depends on the storm damage and the location of your house. Besides, there are other factors too. Here’s how: 

1. Storm Severity And Duration

Hard snowstorms and wind cause longer power outages. Light storms can only disconnect the power for a couple of hours. If the storm lasts, the frontier crews face more difficulties in restoring electricity. 

2. Extent Of Power Grid Damage

If power lines are severely damaged, it can take days to get the power back on. Special crews and equipment will be in demand, too. This will extend the timeframe of the power cut. 

3. Urban Versus Rural Locations

The urban residents usually regain power more quickly as Utility companies prioritize repairs that restore power to the largest number of people at once. Power outages in rural areas will likely take longer to fix. Because crews need more resources to cover these grounds.

How to Prepare for a Power Outage in Winter?

You can prepare for winter outages. It will ease the inconvenience and save your house. The following are some of the key steps.

1. Check Home Heating Systems

Before winter, ensure that the heating is in place. 

• Make sure that furnaces are working properly. Replace filters if needed.

• Gather warm clothing and other bedding. 

• Heat your house using space heaters or fireplaces. 

• Shut the windows and keep out drafts.

•  Close the doors of rooms that are not in use. It will help to save heat. 

• Use hot water bottles or thermal pads. It offers extra warmth on cold nights.

2. Prepare Emergency Power Equipment

You can use portable power stations to prepare for winter outages. They supply power during grid failures. You can power up important appliances. If you search online, you will get a bunch of options. VTOMAN offers top-quality portal power stations. These power stations are specially built for winter power outages. 

VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600 is a powerful portable power station. It provides 3600W of continuous power and 6000W peak. It can be fully charged within 2 hours.  The portable station has 14 ports that can power several devices. It has UPS capability to protect sensitive equipment. And the LiFePO4 battery offers more than 3,000 cycles. Use the detachable solar panels anywhere you go. 

Want to buy an affordable portable power station for winter? Then you should consider VTOMAN Jump 1800. It is also a reliable option. The portable station offers 1800W of clean sine wave power at a surge of 3600W. The battery base is 1548Wh. You can extend it to 3096Wh. 

It has 12 ports and pass-through charging. This allows you to run numerous appliances simultaneously. The LiFePO4 battery has a lifecycle of up to 3,000 cycles. There is a safety system that prevents overcharging. It can even start your car within 3 seconds. This is why it can be useful during an emergency.

3. Charge Devices and Batteries

Before a storm, power important gadgets. Phones, power stations, laptops, and tablets must be charged to the full. Power stations and backup batteries will ensure that you are connected, updated, and secure during prolonged power cuts.

4. Store Food and Water

Store emergency foodstuffs and clean water. If refrigeration malfunctions, perishable foods must be consumed first. Preserve food for you and your family. Temporarily, you can use ice packs or coolers but avoid direct sunlight, store them in a garage instead of outside to avoid wildlife attraction. Collecting meals that you don’t need to cook provides you much advantage.

It’s best to keep at least a 3-day supply of water. High-energy snacks can be your lifesaver. Also, don’t forget special dietary needs for children and pets. 

FAQs

1. When Does Power Come Back on?

The restoration process is based on the intensity of storms, grid damage, and location. Cities typically restore power quicker as compared to the countryside.

2. Can Snow Cause Power Outages?

Yes. Severe snow may burden the power lines and trees, causing lines break or poles fall.

3. How Much Ice Causes Power Outages?

A thin ice cover can also cause a lot of weight in power lines. Heavy ice formation may cause breakage of poles and destruction of transformers, causing massive power cuts.

4. How Long Will a House Stay Warm Without Power?

Thermal retention is determined by insulation, exterior temperature, and the size of the house. Homes with good insulation can stay warm for hours, while poorly insulated homes are likely to get cold within a short time. Blankets and layered clothing should be used to help maintain body temperature.

Conclusion

Winter storm power outages may become a problem during severe winter weather, affecting homes, food, safety, and comfort. Planning starts with understanding the causes of outages and their effects, and having a reliable power station as part of your emergency setup can provide essential backup energy. Testing heating systems and preparing emergency power equipment in advance can help keep you safe.