WINTER WEATHER TERMS:
Watches, Warnings & Advisories
Stay tuned for storm warnings:
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and
your local radio and TV stations for
updated storm information.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?  Click here
 to read more about preparing yourself and your family for storms and other emergencies.
 

WINTER WEATHER TERMS:

National Weather Service's Winter Weather Tip Sheet

Watches - A Watch issued by the National Weather Service means the POTENTIAL (about a 30 percent chance) exists for a specified event to occur. Watches are generally issued 12 to 36 hours before the expected start of events.

Winter Storm Watch - Issued for the possibility of severe-life threatening winter weather conditions including:

• Heavy snow

• A heavy accumulation of ice (from freezing rain) and/or sleet that will down trees and power lines

• A combination of heavy snow and ice

• Blizzard conditions

Blizzard Watch - Issued for the possibility of blizzard conditions.  Forecasters are typically 50 percent confident that blizzard conditions will materialize when a blizzard watch is issued.

Wind Chill Watch - Issued for the potential of wind chills of -25F or less, which can cause rapid frostbite and increase risk of hypothermia.

Warnings - A Warning issued by the National Weather Service means a specified event is STRONGLY EXPECTED or is IMMINENT (above a 70 percent chance). Warnings are generally issued up to 24 hours before the expected start of events.

Winter Storm Warning - Issued for a combination of heavy snow and/or ice, of which, at least one exceeds or meets warning criteria.  Winter weather is expected to cause life-threatening public impact for a combination of winter hazards including heavy snow, ice, near blizzard conditions, blowing and drifting snow and/or dangerous wind chills.

Heavy Snow Warning - Issued 7 inches or more of snow is expected in 12 hours or less, 9 inches or more is expected in 24 hours or less.  Heavy Snow Warnings are issued when there is a high degree of confidence that the entire event will be snow.

Ice Storm Warning - Issued for a 1/2 inch or more of ice accumulation which causes damage to power lines and trees.  Ice Storm Warnings are issued when there is a high degree of confidence that the entire event is expected to be ice.

Blizzard Warning - Issued when blizzard conditions are imminent or expected in the next 12 to 24 hours.  Blizzard conditions included sustained or frequent gusts =/> 35 mph AND considerable falling, blowing and drifting of snow reducing visibilities frequently to 1/4 mile.

Wind Chill Warning - Issued when the wind chill is expected to be -25F or less.  Frostbite can occur in less than 10 minutes.

Advisories - Advisories are issued by the National Weather Service when a specified event is STRONGLY EXPECTED or is IMMINENT (above a 70 percent chance).

Winter Weather Advisory - Issued by the National Weather Service when one of the following events is STRONGLY EXPECTED or IMMINENT:

• Snow: A winter weather advisory will be issued when snowfall is forecast to accumulate to at least 4 inches.

• Freezing rain and drizzle: A winter weather advisory for freezing rain (or for freezing drizzle) will be issued when ice is forecast to accumulate on roads (making driving hazardous) or on sidewalks (making walking hazardous). Note that a significant accumulation of ice on trees and power lines is not expected. It must also be emphasized that even TRACE amounts of freezing rain or drizzle will make driving and walking on untreated surfaces TREACHEROUS.
  

• Mixed precipitation: Issued when a combination of snow, sleet, and/or freezing rain is forecast. Less than 6 inches of snow is expected when an advisory is issued. The extent of sleet and/or freezing rain is expected to be light enough not to down power lines or trees.
  

• Blowing snow: Issued when the combination of snow cover and strong winds produce snow drifts, making roadways impassable.
  

Snow Advisory - Issued by the National Weather Service when snowfall is expected to exceed 2 inches but not expected to exceed 5 inches. A Snow Advisory may also be issued for snowfalls under 2 inches at the beginning of the snow season or after a prolonged period between snowfall events.

Freezing Rain (or Freezing Drizzle) Advisory - Issued by the National Weather Service when the potential for freezing rain or freezing drizzle of sufficiently light intensity is forecast but a significant amount is not expected. However, even small amounts of freezing rain or freezing drizzle may cause traveling problems. Ice is not expected to form on all exposed surfaces.

Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory -

Blowing Snow Advisory - Issued by the National Weather Service when the possibility that wind driven snow will reduce visibility enough to hamper travel. Blowing snow may be falling snow, or snow that has already accumulated but is picked up and blown by strong winds. Visibility conditions are not expected to deteriorate sufficiently to issue a Blizzard Warning.

Wind Chill Advisory - Issued by the National Weather Service when the wind chill values are forecast 20 to 34 degrees below zero. When the combination of wind speed and air temperature produce these wind chill values, exposed skin would gradually suffer frostbite within a relatively short period of time. Protective action is recommended.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

What to do before a storm:

Prepare a winter storm plan and a disaster supplies kit containing:

• A warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots for each member of your family.

• First aid kit and essential medications.

• Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

• Canned food and manual can opener.

• Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days).
  

• Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat, because winter clothing often gets wet

Have your car winterized before winter storm season, and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your car as well.

Service snow removal equipment, and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways. Kitty litter can be used to generate temporary traction.

Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; Regular fuel sources may be cut off.

Winterize your home: -- Insulate walls and attic -- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows -- Install storm windows, or cover windows with plastic from the inside.

Have safe emergency heating equipment available: -- For residences with functioning fireplaces, keep an ample supply of wood -- Utilize portable electric space heaters

Install and check smoke detectors.

Keep pipes from freezing: -- Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers -- Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. -- Let faucets drip a little to help prevent freezing. -- Know how to shut off water valves.

Develop a family communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm ( a real possibility during the day, when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serves as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a severe winter storm. Teach children how and when to call 911, police, and fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Check in on relatives, friends, and neighbors who may need assistance preparing for a storm.

When a winter storm WATCH or WARNING is issued: Listen to NOAA Radio, local radio, and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for updates. Be alert to changing weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel.

What to do if there is a storm

If you are outside:

• Stretch before you go out. -- If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This may prevent injury.
  

• Cover your mouth. -- Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.
  

• Avoid Overexertion. -- Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unfamiliar exercise, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Take frequent rest breaks, and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
  

• Keep Dry. -- Change wet clothes frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
  

• Stay Safe -- Walk carefully on snowy or icy sidewalks. If using a snowblower, NEVER use your hands to unclog the machine.
  

• Maintain an awareness of utilities when shoveling snow. --Do not cover fire hydrants with snow when clearing sidewalks and driveways. -- Do not shovel snow into manholes and catch basins.
  

• Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance -- infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

If you are inside:

• Conserve fuel. Lower the thermostat to 65 degree during the day, and 55 degree at night. Close off unused rooms.
  

• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
  

• Listen to the radio or television to get the latest information.
  

• Check in with neighbors, friends, or relatives who may need your help.

If the power goes out:

• Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge and possible damage to them when power is restored.
  

• If power will be out a long time, consider going to a Red Cross shelter, hotel, or someone else's home ONLY after the roads are passable and authorities say it is safe to travel.
  

• Use flashlights to see. Do not use candles because they greatly increase the chances of having a fire in your home. Candles are easily forgotten or knocked over, and it's too easy for children to play with them when you're not looking.

Safety Tips For Portable Space Heaters

• Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting at least 3 feet away from the heat source.
  

• Always keep an eye on the equipment. Never leave children alone in the room where a space heater is running. Turn it off when you are unable to closely monitor it.
  

• Dry mittens, gloves, socks, and scarves in a clothes dryer. NEVER drape them over a space heater to dry.

For additional information on winter storms visit the following website: