With ever-changing winter weather conditions, the American Red Cross urges the public to stay tuned to local news and weather experts for storm updates and adhere to guidance and warnings issued by local and state officials.

Besides the threat of the cold, damp conditions faced by those who might venture out, power lines brought down by heavy rain, snow, wind or ice may mean outages that pose additional risks to residents. Without power, residents may not be able to heat their homes, store food or prepare meals. The Red Cross urges those in the path of this weather front to make preparations for its onslaught and use extreme caution before, during and after it strikes their area of the country.