Photo by Sister72

New York is starting its fall season with snow, not falling leaves. A nor’easter visited the state on Thursday and brought school closures, traffic jams, power outages, chaos, and confusion. This is the earliest snow fall on record for New York.

Many relief shelters opened up throughout the state to help those that did not have power in their homes stay warm. Flood warnings were issued for New York City on Sunday, October 18, 2009. The Staten Island Advance reports:

“Significant coastal flooding due to high winds and heavy rains is expected, according to the National Weather Service.

“‘The increase in wind, combined with higher astronomical tide levels and tidal piling will cause tidal levels to increase 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 feet,’ the service cautioned.”

Other states along the East Coast also experienced the strange weather this weekend. More on this story.

Winter weather has come earlier than expected. Home and business owners need to remember to take precautions when the weather turns cold. First, one needs to make sure pipes are well insulated so they do not burst and flood a building.

Second, heating equipment needs to be used properly, in a manner that will not burn a building down. Learn more about protecting a home from a fire.