Greetings,

As winter storm Elliot makes its way East, we want to take a moment to make sure our clients are informed and prepared for what is forecast to be a historical storm in terms of snowfall and freezing temperatures across most of the country.

Although Elliot is not a polar vortex (and is instead an example of a "bomb cyclone" - for more detail on that ominous term, click here), we can expect similarly severe conditions across the country as we head into the Christmas weekend.

Image from weather.com

Many flights are already being cancelled and rescheduled, so if you are considering driving for holiday travel instead, please be extremely cautious. Road conditions will be highly dangerous as Elliot moves across the country, and emergency services will be delayed. Make sure you have a source of warmth and ample water in your vehicle if you must attempt a drive.

If you'll be at home this week, ensure you have enough food and water, and keep a close eye on your pipes. If you are traveling for the holidays, make sure to leave your cold water tap on a slow drip, and if you've already departed, ask a neighbor or property manager to check on your home or turn the water off - pipes bursting is the biggest cause of property damage as temperatures drop in severe weather events. High winds are also expected with Winter Storm Elliot, so please take precautions and move any vehicles into a covered garage, as windblown debris will be especially dangerous in icy conditions.

For our clients in the Southeast and Texas, these precautions are especially important as the infrastructure is not equipped to handle the type of extreme changes in temperature that is forecast on Thursday. It's very possible we'll see power outages across much of the state comparable to the cold snap in 2021. Leave the cold water tap on a slow drip, make sure all backup generators are working, spend some time now to develop a plan for your family in case of power loss during the freeze, and check on elderly neighbors and family that may need assistance. 

Your Texan Chartwellian is in Houston through the end of the week, please contact me directly at dpierce@chartwellins.com if you have any questions or concerns leading up to the cold snap, and I'll be happy to provide any advice or resources I have.

As always, you can reach us 24/7 at our emergency line - call the office at 312-645-1200 and you will be prompted to press “2” for an emergency call back.

Image from weather.com

Wishing you and yours a safe and warm holiday break,