BLIZZARD WARNING for Sunday into Monday

Yesterday there was a Ledger headline that NJ is likely to be under a “deep freeze” until mid-February. I scrolled to the next story. 

This deep freeze is making my steam heat system lose water faster than it usually does.  I'm cleaning, retaping and pipe doping the radiator vents in hopes of at least modestly reducing water loss.  

In all the years of living here, I've never been able to determine how much water loss is considered to be normal/acceptable and how much indicates a problem.  In stretches of normal winter temps, we can go for weeks without water level approaching shut off.  The level goes down but slowly.   Some plumber sites say that's normal, others make it sound like you should rarely have to add water through winter.  I dunno.

Friday Feb 6th 

(ok, so it's actually Thursday night -- the forecast is not going to change much)

The headline is not the little bit of snow Friday night into Saturday. It's the cold and the wind that will come in with it. The NWS has issued an Extreme Cold Watch.

Friday should be chilly and mostly cloudy during the day, high in the upper 20s.

Friday night a cold front comes through, likely bringing a few hours of light snow. Expecting 1/2 inch with an upside of maybe 1 inch by noon Saturday. Low overnight mid 20s

Saturday quite windy (expect at least an advisory). High temp will have already passed by daylight and the temperature will likely drop all day and through the night, landing somewhere in the mid single digits by daybreak Sunday. Any snowfall lingering Saturday morning will be done by midday.

Winds pick up Saturday morning and by lunchtime should be a steady 20 - 25mph with gusts in the 40s, so wind chills could easily drop in the -5 range during the day.

Saturday night likely to be dangerously cold. Temps will continue to drop to near zero and the wind, although a bit more moderate, will still drop the wind chills into the negative teens. This is "frostbite in minutes on bare skin" weather. Your mother wants you to wear a hat.

Sunday continues to be breezy and cold, with a high in the teens and an overnight low in the mid single digits.

Monday mostly sunny and still cold. The wind abates though even the little breeze we expect will feel bitter. High in the high 20s, overnight low probably below 10.

As of now, it looks like some close to normal temps return on Tuesday with a high near freezing but overnight, back into the teens.

...EXTREME COLD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills of 15 below possible.

* WHERE...Portions of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through early Sunday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if
  precautions are not taken.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must
go outside.

To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes
they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those
that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover
above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills
inside.

Friday Feb 6th update

See last night's post for detailed forecast

Since last night, the NWS has upgraded the advisories for the weekend to a WIND ADVISORY and an EXTREME COLD WARNING 

From the NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE: 

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT EST
SATURDAY NIGHT...
...EXTREME COLD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO 1 PM EST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with
  gusts up to 50 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Warning,
  dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York.

* WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, from 9 AM Saturday to midnight EST
  Saturday Night. For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 10 AM Saturday
  to 1 PM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
  limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The
  cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as
  little as 30 minutes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Coldest wind chills will be Saturday night
  into early Sunday morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Secure outdoor objects.

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must
go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills
inside.

&&

max_weisenfeld said:

Friday Feb 6th update

See last night's post for detailed forecast

Since last night, the NWS has upgraded the advisories for the weekend to a WIND ADVISORY and an EXTREME COLD WARNING 

From the NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE: 

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT EST
SATURDAY NIGHT...
...EXTREME COLD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO 1 PM EST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with
  gusts up to 50 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Warning,
  dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York.

* WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, from 9 AM Saturday to midnight EST
  Saturday Night. For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 10 AM Saturday
  to 1 PM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
  limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The
  cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as
  little as 30 minutes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Coldest wind chills will be Saturday night
  into early Sunday morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Secure outdoor objects.

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must
go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills
inside.

&&

In summary: It be cold.

max_weisenfeld said:

Friday Feb 6th update

See last night's post for detailed forecast

Since last night, the NWS has upgraded the advisories for the weekend to a WIND ADVISORY and an EXTREME COLD WARNING 

From the NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE: 

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT EST
SATURDAY NIGHT...
...EXTREME COLD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO 1 PM EST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with
  gusts up to 50 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Warning,
  dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York.

* WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, from 9 AM Saturday to midnight EST
  Saturday Night. For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 10 AM Saturday
  to 1 PM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
  limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The
  cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as
  little as 30 minutes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Coldest wind chills will be Saturday night
  into early Sunday morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Secure outdoor objects.

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must
go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills
inside.

&&

4What is the advice re shoveling snow that falls on Saturday?  Should we wait until Sunday afternoon?

joan_crystal said:

4What is the advice re shoveling snow that falls on Saturday?  Should we wait until Sunday afternoon?

Hire somebody

Seriously, I got nothing -- it's going to be terribly cold and windy both days. There's no good answer.

The wind is downright scary. I’m just hoping that we don’t have power outages. It’s way too cold.

Jaytee said:

The wind is downright scary. I’m just hoping that we don’t have power outages. It’s way too cold.

There was a power outage here in Maplecrest yesterday afternoon.  It was short in duration and the house did not lose noticeable heat.  Did anyone else experience this?

joan_crystal said:

There was a power outage here in Maplecrest yesterday afternoon.  It was short in duration and the house did not lose noticeable heat.  Did anyone else experience this?

We had 2 short power outages in the Golf Island area. The first was about 30 seconds, the second was a just a blip. I do have to admit I got super nervous when I first heard the heat stop.

bub said:

This deep freeze is making my steam heat system lose water faster than it usually does.  I'm cleaning, retaping and pipe doping the radiator vents in hopes of at least modestly reducing water loss.  

In all the years of living here, I've never been able to determine how much water loss is considered to be normal/acceptable and how much indicates a problem.  In stretches of normal winter temps, we can go for weeks without water level approaching shut off.  The level goes down but slowly.   Some plumber sites say that's normal, others make it sound like you should rarely have to add water through winter.  I dunno.

We've had to fill ours up twice in the last 24 hours which is a first. Earlier in the week it was once every couple of days. Normally in the winter it is once every week or two. 

sac said:

bub said:

This deep freeze is making my steam heat system lose water faster than it usually does.  I'm cleaning, retaping and pipe doping the radiator vents in hopes of at least modestly reducing water loss.  

In all the years of living here, I've never been able to determine how much water loss is considered to be normal/acceptable and how much indicates a problem.  In stretches of normal winter temps, we can go for weeks without water level approaching shut off.  The level goes down but slowly.   Some plumber sites say that's normal, others make it sound like you should rarely have to add water through winter.  I dunno.

We've had to fill ours up twice in the last 24 hours which is a first. Earlier in the week it was once every couple of days. Normally in the winter it is once every week or two. 

One of the smartest home improvements we've ever done was to install an automatic water feeder on our boiler. It's worth every penny.

I'm almost finished cleaning the steam vents in vinegar and reinstalling them with teflon tape and pipe dope (some suggest one or the other, others say both is fine - why not?).  It's great.  My bedroom radiator used to hiss quite loudly when the steam came up.  Now its quiet.  

I haven't done it yet but it makes sense to check the vents on the main lines in the basement.

Yes people use the auto feeders but don't they mask leaks, if any. that have to be addressed?   

Sac, having to fill up that soon seems like a lot even in this cold snap.  Have you been eyeing your vents  (and the valves) to see if there is any spitting or leaking? 

bub said:

I'm almost finished cleaning the steam vents in vinegar and reinstalling them with teflon tape and pipe dope (some suggest one or the other, others say both is fine - why not?).  It's great.  My bedroom radiator used to hiss quite loudly when the steam came up.  Now its quiet.  

I haven't done it yet but it makes sense to check the vents on the main lines in the basement.

Yes people use the auto feeders but don't they mask leaks, if any. that have to be addressed?   

Sac, having to fill up that soon seems like a lot even in this cold snap.  Have you been eyeing your vents  (and the valves) to see if there is any spitting or leaking? 

we have an auto feeder that has a runner usage display.  I tells me (and my plumber) what we've used season to date and last year ratted me out for not flushing often enough.  We've used three gallons of water this season.

Monday, February 9th

Cold this morning, slightly warmer this week

Today starts out sunny but very cold, with wind chills still in the single digits. High today upper 20⁰s, overnight low tonight mid teens

Tuesday less cold, cloudy, high in the upper 30⁰s, slight chance of light snow overnight, low upper 20⁰s

Wednesday sun and clouds, high upper 30⁰s low mid 20⁰s

Clearing skies Thursday high mid 30⁰s low upper teens

Friday and Saturday look clear and seasonal, mid 30s highs and lows around 20⁰

Might see some snow over the weekend but the signal in the models is not yet clear

Looks like a heat wave next Sunday to Wednesday (not sure after that).

bub said:

I'm almost finished cleaning the steam vents in vinegar and reinstalling them with teflon tape and pipe dope (some suggest one or the other, others say both is fine - why not?).  It's great.  My bedroom radiator used to hiss quite loudly when the steam came up.  Now its quiet.  

I haven't done it yet but it makes sense to check the vents on the main lines in the basement.

Yes people use the auto feeders but don't they mask leaks, if any. that have to be addressed?   

Sac, having to fill up that soon seems like a lot even in this cold snap.  Have you been eyeing your vents  (and the valves) to see if there is any spitting or leaking? 

My boiler needed no added water last week.  If you are using a lot of water, I would check the following possibilities:

1. A leak showing up as puddles on the basement floor.
2. A leak showing up as steam out of the chimney.
3. Worn out radiator valves that allow steam to escape.
4. Boiler pressure too high forcing steam out of vents - should exceed 2-3 PSI.

I'm not a fan of auto water fill.

tjohn said:

My boiler needed no added water last week.  If you are using a lot of water, I would check the following possibilities:

1. A leak showing up as puddles on the basement floor.
2. A leak showing up as steam out of the chimney.
3. Worn out radiator valves that allow steam to escape.
4. Boiler pressure too high forcing steam out of vents - should exceed 2-3 PSI.

I'm not a fan of auto water fill.

Should or should not exceed 2-3 psi?

yahooyahoo said:

Should or should not exceed 203 psi?

Good catch.  Should NOT exceed 2-3 psi.

Tuesday Feb 10th Update

Slight change to the forecast for tonight as the chance of light snow becomes a chance of light rain. Also be aware as melting snow today could refreeze into icy patches overnight

Today, cloudy, high mid 30⁰s, slight chance of light rain or snow overnight low upper 20⁰s

Wed mostly sunny, high 30⁰s, low mid 20⁰s

Thursday and Friday,  sunny, high mid 30⁰s low around 20⁰

Chance of some snow over the weekend and Monday but at this time don't expect a lot of snow

40s this weekend and 50s next week!

tjohn said:

bub said:

I'm almost finished cleaning the steam vents in vinegar and reinstalling them with teflon tape and pipe dope (some suggest one or the other, others say both is fine - why not?).  It's great.  My bedroom radiator used to hiss quite loudly when the steam came up.  Now its quiet.  

I haven't done it yet but it makes sense to check the vents on the main lines in the basement.

Yes people use the auto feeders but don't they mask leaks, if any. that have to be addressed?   

Sac, having to fill up that soon seems like a lot even in this cold snap.  Have you been eyeing your vents  (and the valves) to see if there is any spitting or leaking? 

My boiler needed no added water last week.  If you are using a lot of water, I would check the following possibilities:

1. A leak showing up as puddles on the basement floor.
2. A leak showing up as steam out of the chimney.
3. Worn out radiator valves that allow steam to escape.
4. Boiler pressure too high forcing steam out of vents - should exceed 2-3 PSI.

I'm not a fan of auto water fill.

Well, yesterday there was water on the floor and plumber came out and, sure enough, there is a leak and we will be getting a new boiler, supposedly tomorrow. (We do still have heat but are keeping the thermostat lower than normal to nurse it through without having to refill twice a day until they can get it installed.) This boiler is nearly 25 years old, so it was probably time.

I have never had the auto fill because of concern about monitoring it, but I see Max's comment about the "runner usage display" that keeps track and that is intriguing. My spouse and I aren't getting any younger and, one of these days, we might not be able to get down the stairs to the basement to manually fill it, so I'm thinking about it now.

sac said:

tjohn said:

bub said:

I'm almost finished cleaning the steam vents in vinegar and reinstalling them with teflon tape and pipe dope (some suggest one or the other, others say both is fine - why not?).  It's great.  My bedroom radiator used to hiss quite loudly when the steam came up.  Now its quiet.  

I haven't done it yet but it makes sense to check the vents on the main lines in the basement.

Yes people use the auto feeders but don't they mask leaks, if any. that have to be addressed?   

Sac, having to fill up that soon seems like a lot even in this cold snap.  Have you been eyeing your vents  (and the valves) to see if there is any spitting or leaking? 

My boiler needed no added water last week.  If you are using a lot of water, I would check the following possibilities:

1. A leak showing up as puddles on the basement floor.
2. A leak showing up as steam out of the chimney.
3. Worn out radiator valves that allow steam to escape.
4. Boiler pressure too high forcing steam out of vents - should exceed 2-3 PSI.

I'm not a fan of auto water fill.

Well, yesterday there was water on the floor and plumber came out and, sure enough, there is a leak and we will be getting a new boiler, supposedly tomorrow. (We do still have heat but are keeping the thermostat lower than normal to nurse it through without having to refill twice a day until they can get it installed.) This boiler is nearly 25 years old, so it was probably time.

I have never had the auto fill because of concern about monitoring it, but I see Max's comment about the "runner usage display" that keeps track and that is intriguing. My spouse and I aren't getting any younger and, one of these days, we might not be able to get down the stairs to the basement to manually fill it, so I'm thinking about it now.

We have usage display on the auto filler.  Very easy to track water usage.

I've had the highly praised Gorton vents on my radiators for decades but did not know until today that the Gorton company is located in Cranford NJ.  There's no store there but I went there and they identified several are plumbing supply places that have the Gorton vents. 

sac said:

Well, yesterday there was water on the floor and plumber came out and, sure enough, there is a leak and we will be getting a new boiler, supposedly tomorrow. (We do still have heat but are keeping the thermostat lower than normal to nurse it through without having to refill twice a day until they can get it installed.) This boiler is nearly 25 years old, so it was probably time.

I have never had the auto fill because of concern about monitoring it, but I see Max's comment about the "runner usage display" that keeps track and that is intriguing. My spouse and I aren't getting any younger and, one of these days, we might not be able to get down the stairs to the basement to manually fill it, so I'm thinking about it now.

Get the auto fill valve installed when you’re replacing the boiler. It’s easier to do it when the plumber is there. 

Friday February 15th

Scattered snow showers and pehaps a short period of moderate snow over the weekend with warming temperatures. Total snow accumulation now through Monday around ½ inch to an inch possible

Today, sunny, breezy, high mid 30⁰s

Tonight gathering clouds, chance snow showers late, perhaps ½ inch accumulation, low mid 20⁰s

Saturday starts out with chance snow showers or a brief period of moderate snow early followed by clearing skies, high in the low 40⁰s, overnight low mid 20⁰s

Sunday partly sunny, slight chance of snow showers or light snow overnight into Monday, no more than another ½ inch, high upper 30⁰s, low upper 20⁰s

Monday slight chance light snow, high around 40⁰, low around freezing

Follow up re boiler:  I installed a new Gorton vent on one of my radiators because we could feel a bit of moisture on finger when touching the vent hole as steam came up. Not spurting or pouring or visible, just a little dribble to the touch.  The new one, however, is doing the same thing.  For now, I shimmed up the radiator more so it tilts down towards the pipe and eases the return of water after steam comes up.   The Gortons cost over $40 bucks each. I don' think there should be any leak, not even a dribble, but maybe a dribble is normal and I'm only noticing it because I'm monitoring, cleaning and tightening up the vents now due to the higher water loss from the cold snap.

Couple inches of snow tomorrow afternoon? Evening?

Monday, Feb16th

Warmer, with periods of light rain or snow for most of the week as a series of fronts move through

Today, the snow appears to have ended and we expect the clouds will be moving off later this morning. High around 40⁰, overnight low near freezing

Tuesday, slight chance of snow or light rain early then clearing, high mid 40⁰s, low near freezing

Wednesday light rain likely during the day, high around 40⁰ low upper 30⁰s

Thursday cloudy with a slight chance of light rain, high mid 40⁰s low around freezing

Friday thrugh the weekend periods of rain or snow throughout, highs in the low 40⁰s lows around freezing, more forecast clarity later in the week