We definitely had a mix of weather over the past few days, with Sunday warming up nicely.
Today’s weather will be rain, mainly before 4pm. High near 52 and low around 43. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 48 mph. New Year’s Day will be a chance of light rain, mainly before 10am then mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 38 by 5pm. Breezy, with a west wind 14 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Overnight, a slight chance of rain, mixing with snow after 10pm, then gradually ending. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.
The State Police have been increasing roadside enforcement efforts during the holidays to ensure our safety. I have seen a bunch of folks pulled over by troopers the past few days. Please drive safely and respect the law during this New Year’s holiday.
The Garrett College Foundation has announced that Dr. Robert W. Smith has received the Dr. Jeanne H. Neff Award for Distinguished Service. He was nominated on behalf of the Garrett College Foundation Board for his strong leadership and tireless commitment to the students and future of Garrett College. Thank you for your efforts and congratulations Dr. Smith.
So many folks pledge to quit smoking for their New Year’s resolution I thought I would include this in Notes. The Garrett County Health Department can help you quit this year with three group classes scheduled to begin the first three months of the year. The three Tobacco Cessation Classes will be held at the Health Department’s Oakland office and leverage findings that indicate group sessions are more effective helping folks quit.
Every New Year the fireworks start around the lake about 10:00 pm and I don’t expect this year to be any different, so here’s some practical suggestions from the Maryland State Fire Marshall relative to fireworks if you don’t attend a public, professional fireworks event:
- Purchase the fireworks in the location where you intend to discharge them. Check with the local municipality to determine what fireworks are considered legal for use in that area.
- Read and follow label warnings and instructions.
- Do not allow small children to use fireworks.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while using fireworks.
- Have a bucket of water or hose available
- Fully extinguish the remains of fireworks in water before disposal.
Don’t forget that there are still plenty of outdoor and outdoor-related activities available around the lake this time of year. Here’s what’s available at the Deep Creek Lake State Park, including their First Day Hike on Tuesday.
Monday December 31
11:00 a.m. Hungry Critters
Meet us inside the Discovery Center as we feed the critters! You will be given a chance to touch a live reptile or amphibian!
1:00 p.m. Self-Guided Scavenger Hunts
Take this self-guided trip around the Discovery Center to answer questions like “What color eyes does a Box Turtle have?”.
Tuesday January 1
10:00 a.m. First Day Hike
Get outside and hike on this national day of hikes and walks for a guided hike of our Beckman’s Loop and finish off your experience with complimentary hot chocolate. Hike is approx. 2.5 miles and will take 2 hours.
Talk to you again on Wednesday! Have a great holiday.