Record Winter Low Temperatures - Charlotte NC - Owens Chimney SystemsWinter is right around the corner, and the Farmers’ Almanac is predicting another record-breaking winter season for much of the United States. Where the heaviest snow will fall still remains a matter for debate – one influenced to some degree by an El Nino pattern in the Pacific. Peter Geiger, the editor of the Farmers’ Almanac, was quoted as saying, “We don’t think the winter will be as extreme as last year. We do believe that it’s going to be another one for the record books.”

Generally speaking, an El Nino winter means more snow in the southern U.S. and less in the north. AccuWeather.com  echoes this prediction. Although parts of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic had a gradual introduction to fall, they believe that “winter will arrive without delay.” Cold air and high snow amounts will define the season.

Meteorologists and weather science experts at the National Weather Service (NWS) say that there is a 99% chance that we will start to see a massive cold-front sooner in the year than has ever happened. This is the type of winter the American public needs to prepare for. There will always be some meteorologists and/or weather science experts who will refute the Farmers’ Almanac’s predictions, however, the vast majority of them are predicting a winter much like that predicted by the Almanac.

Please be Proactive! 

It is of the utmost importance that people prepare for an early and big winter. Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain. Regardless of the severity of a winter storm, however, you should be prepared in order to remain safe during these events.

The Usual Suspects will be Amplified 

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including the porous masonry of your chimney. No matter the strength of a particular container, expanding water can cause it to break with relative ease. The typical freeze/thaw cycles that already wreak havoc on your chimney will have an even greater impact with this winter’s predicted weather. It is critical that you have your chimney system inspected prior to the onset of winter (to allow for any deficiencies to be corrected before getting out of hand) and shortly after spring begins to (to guarantee that winter’s harsh conditions didn’t irreparably damage it).

Owens Chimney Systems is a locally owned and operated company that has been serving Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas since 1989, making the Carolinas safer one chimney at a time. Being in business all these years has given us the kind of experience our customers have come to rely on: honest, guaranteed service. We have the knowledge and expertise it takes to do the job right the first time! We are committed to customer service and dedicated to customer satisfaction! If you haven’t already done so, give us a call today to schedule an appointment to ensure your chimney system is and remains in top operating condition for many years to come!