Winter Storm Jonas 2016: How To Prepare For Possible Blizzard As JoBro Memes Go Viral

Winter Storm Jonas, the first major snowstorm of 2016, could hit the northeast Friday. If it does, the metro areas in and around Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston could be buried by snow, according to AccuWeather.

To ensure that people remain safe if blizzard conditions occur, follow the these preparation steps:

1. Be prepared. Once it’s clear a winter storm is underway, it’s best to have certain items in case the inclement weather knocks out heat, electricity and telephone service. Here’s what you should have at the ready: A flashlight and extra batteries, heating fuel, matches and candles, smoke detector and fire extinguisher, first-aid supplies, portable radio and extra blankets.

2. Stock up on nonperishable foods. Try high-energy foods like dried fruit, nuts and energy bars. Also get canned products and items that do not need to be refrigerated. Since Parmalat milk doesn’t have to be kept cool, it’s a good alternative to milk. Don’t forget to have a manual can opener and bottled water.

3. Keep occupied. Wi-Fi probably won’t remain intact, which means storm dwellers will have to find other ways to keep occupied. Gasp! If reading a good book doesn’t sound enticing, puzzles, magazines, playing cards and board games are a good way to pass the time.

As much as 12 to 24 inches of snow could cover the northeast, the National Weather Service said. Up to 50 million people could be affected by Winter Storm Jonas, which has the potential to cancel and delay flights and possibly close roads and schools. The storm gets its moniker from the Weather Channel, which has taken to naming storms over the past few years.

The storm also shares a name with brothers Nick, Joe and Kevin, who formerly made up the band “The Jonas Brothers.” Not surprisingly, memes and GIFs have already started to take over social media.

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