Don't let this week's spring thaw fool you

What's being dubbed "The Big Thaw" may be bringing record-setting warmth to much of the country and putting happy faces on people in the Northeast this week, but don't be fooled by the glow.

Winter isn't over yet and some of its most vicious storms have battered the country in March. Not surprisingly, forecasters are calling for more snow in parts of the Northeast for winter's last weekend before spring officially arrives March 20.

The worst snowstorm ever recorded in terms of casualties happened in March 1888. Known as The Great Blizzard, more than 400 people died when as much as 50 inches of snow fell throughout the Northeast. The storm was so fierce that more than 200 ships reportedly sank.

A bit closer in memory is the so-called The Storm of the Century in March 1993, which left more than 300 dead and billions of dollars in property damage along the Eastern seaboard.

Today, Canada's Weather Network is calling for a late start to spring, reminding viewers that "March is a winter month." Ice on the Great Lakes and deep snow cover across the Atlantic region will contribute to slower warming, it reported. That's important intel for those living in the northern United States.

Meanwhile, the southern U.S. is getting sopped with heavy rains and flood watches. With tropical moisture impacting the Gulf Coast and snow melt - albeit in drips and drabs - threatening other areas, there are some steps you can take to prevent more damage than what this winter has already caused.

Try building a rain garden next to driveways and walkways to help with water runoff by sponging water on more impervious surfaces such as asphalt and cement.

Such gardens can stop water build-up, thereby thwarting basement and street floods. They also stop excess water from entering drains, which helps mitigate water pollution. As runoff flows, it can pick up pollutants and toxins, facilitating their travels to water sources or shorelines.

To plant a rain garden, use native plants that adapt well to the local climate. Wildflowers, shrubs and ferns are good bets. The soil mix is key to draining: 60% sand, 20% compost or biochar and 20% topsoil.

Rain garden not your style? You can also build a berm, a small mound or raised garden placed in front of the area you are trying to protect or redirect water away from. By using soil, grass and more water-friendly plants you can redirect water flow.

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Don't let this week's spring thaw fool you