🌨Snowmageddon 2025: How Homeowners Can Handle This Year’s Wild Winter Storms

This Week’s Handy Homeowner Newsletter ❄️🏡

This week, we’re diving into winter storm prep, smart home maintenance, and answering one of your top homeowner questions. With recent storms sweeping across the U.S. and Canada, now is the time to get ahead of the cold and keep your home safe and warm.

The Maintenance Minute:

This week’s 5-Minute Focus tackles quick home improvements that make a difference: clean & test bathroom fans, declutter entryways, disinfect trash cans, touch up paint, and tighten loose cabinet handles. A little effort now keeps your home fresh, functional, and guest-ready!

Winter Storm Watch:

How bad have winter storms been this season? We’re breaking down record-breaking snowfalls in Florida, blizzards in the Midwest, and massive snowstorms in Canada, plus tips on how to prepare for extreme cold and power outages.

Q&A Spotlight:

"What should I do if my power goes out during a winter storm?" We’ve got the answer, plus pro tips for keeping your home warm and safe until the lights come back on.

Let’s stay warm, stay prepared, and tackle this week like the pros we are! ❄️🛠💪

Maintenance Minute

Where Small Fixes Make a Big Difference!
This Weeks 5 Minute Focus

• Clean and Test Bathroom Fans - A dirty exhaust fan can lead to moisture buildup, mold, and mildew. Remove the cover, clean the blades, and keep your bathroom fresh.

• Declutter and Organize Entryways - Snow boots, coats, and clutter pile up fast in winter. A quick reorganization of your entryway or mudroom helps keep the mess under control—plus, it makes a good first impression for any Valentine’s guests.

• Wash and Disinfect Trash Cans - Even with liners, trash bins can smell and collect bacteria. A deep clean keeps the air fresh.

• Inspect and Touch Up Paint on Walls or Trim - Small scuffs and chips make a home look worn. A quick touch-up keeps things fresh and polished.

• Check and Tighten Loose Cabinet Handles & Knobs - Loose handles can be annoying and unsafe—a simple tightening with a screwdriver fixes them in seconds!

Pro Tip for Testing Your Bathroom Fan: Hold a piece of toilet paper up to the vent—if it sticks, your fan is working. If it falls, the fan may need cleaning or replacing for better airflow! 🚿✨

🌨Winter Storm Warnings: What Homeowners Need to Know

Hey there, fellow homeowners! ❄️ As we cozy up this February, it's hard to ignore the winter storms that have been making headlines across North America. From record-breaking snowfalls in the Gulf Coast to powerful blizzards in the Midwest and Canada, this winter has been anything but typical. Let’s dive into what’s been happening and how you can keep your home safe during these frosty times.

A Winter Wonderland… in the South?

In late January 2025, an unprecedented blizzard swept through the Gulf Coast, blanketing areas like Louisiana, Mississippi, and even parts of Florida with heavy snow. Pensacola, Florida, recorded a staggering 8.9 inches of snow on January 21—obliterating the previous record of 3 inches set back in 1895. Nearby Milton, Florida, got 10 inches, making it the biggest snowfall event in Florida’s history.

This rare event led to widespread power outages, frozen pipes, and travel disruptions, proving that winter storms don’t care about geography!

The Midwest’s Snowy Saga

Not to be outdone, the Midwest faced its own challenges. Chicago braced for its biggest snowstorm of the season, with heavy snow, ice, and even thundersnow making appearances. The storm caused significant travel delays and emphasized the importance of preparedness—because nothing says "Midwest living" like digging your car out of a snowdrift before work.

Canada’s Winter Wallop

Meanwhile, our neighbors to the north were battling their own snowpocalypse.

• January 19–20 Nor’easter: A powerful nor’easter slammed into Atlantic Canada, dumping up to 40 centimeters (15+ inches) of snow in parts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Hazardous travel conditions and power outages made it clear—this wasn’t just a dusting.

• Early February Storm: Ontario and Quebec got their turn in early February, with cities like Ottawa and Montreal seeing between 15 and 40 centimeters (6 to 16 inches) of snow. Schools closed, commutes were wrecked, and snow shovels got a serious workout.

• Mid-February System: Just when Canadians thought they could breathe easy, another massive winter storm hit several provinces, bringing a nasty mix of heavy snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain. The result? Treacherous roads, power outages, and a strong case for staying inside with hot cocoa.

Climate Change and Intensifying Storms

You might be wondering, “If the planet’s warming, why are we seeing such intense winter storms?” Climate experts explain that a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to increased precipitation during storms. Additionally, disruptions in the polar vortex can push cold Arctic air southward, making storms even more severe.

So, while you might dream of mild winters, it looks like Mother Nature has other plans.

📥 Download Our Free Winter Storm Warning Checklist

Want to make sure your home is ready for the next big storm? Download our FREE Winter Storm Warning Checklist and get a step-by-step guide to preparing your home, stocking emergency supplies, and staying safe during extreme weather.

🔹 What's Inside?
✔️ Home preparation tips to prevent storm damage
✔️ Essential emergency supplies checklist
✔️ Power outage survival tips
✔️ Winter driving safety guide

📌 Download now and stay ahead of the storm! 👇🏼👇🏼

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

Winter storms are unpredictable, but being prepared can make all the difference. Stay updated with local forecasts, heed any warnings or advisories, and don’t wait until the last minute to gather supplies.

For now, let’s appreciate the beauty of winter from the warmth and safety of our well-prepared homes. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep those snow shovels handy!

Q&A- What exactly is Winter Storm Warning?

A Winter Storm Warning is an official weather alert issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when severe winter weather conditions—such as heavy snowfall, sleet, freezing rain, or blizzard conditions—are expected to make travel dangerous or life-threatening.

What Triggers a Winter Storm Warning?

The criteria for a Winter Storm Warning can vary by region, but typically includes:
✅ Snowfall of 6+ inches in 12 hours or 8+ inches in 24 hours
✅ Sleet accumulation of at least ½ inch
✅ Significant freezing rain that could cause hazardous ice buildup
✅ Blizzard conditions, including strong winds (35+ mph) and near-zero visibility

How is it Different from Other Winter Alerts?

• Winter Storm Watch: Issued 24-48 hours in advance when a storm may develop.

• Winter Weather Advisory: Issued for less severe winter conditions that could still be hazardous.

• Blizzard Warning: Issued when strong winds (35+ mph) and heavy snow will cause whiteout conditions for 3+ hours.

What to Do When a Winter Storm Warning is Issued?

🔹 Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel
🔹 Prepare for power outages (charge devices, have flashlights, stock up on essentials)
🔹 Keep pipes from freezing by letting faucets drip
🔹 Monitor local news and weather alerts for updates

If a Winter Storm Warning is in effect, it means severe weather is happening or imminent, so take action immediately to stay safe! ❄️🏡