First, lets start with the watches, warnings, and advisories you typically hear about this time of year and what they actually mean!
Winter Storm Watch
A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is a potential for a winter storm to affect the region during the next 1 to 3 days. It does not always mean the area will be hit by a winter storm, but there is still some uncertainity of the exact path or timing of the event. This is a planning stage. Use this time to ensure you have supplies at home, like some extra food, medications, baby items, etc.. If travel is planned, check ahead and see if a different route or delaying your departure may make your trip safer. Be alert for changing weather conditions.
Advisories are issued for those winter weather events that are expected to be more of an inconvenience and should not become life-threatening if caution is exercised. These are often issued for 3 to 6 inches of snow, blowing and drifting snow, freezing drizzle, or a combination of these elements. It may be issued for less snow for early season events, when drivers may not be accustomed to slick roads.
Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued when dangerous winter weather is expected, occurring, or imminent. The weather can become life-threatening. Criteria includes snowfalls of 6 inches or more in 12 hours, 8 inches in 24 hours, or lower amounts if accompanied by strong winds or a combination of dangerous winter elements. Avoid unnecessary travel.
The most dangerous winter event is certainly the blizzard. Blizzard Warnings are issued when snow or blowing snow lowers visibilities to a 1/4 mile or less, wind gusts hit 35 mph or higher, and the storm lasts for 3 hours or more. Travel is dangerous and should be avoided if possible.
Ice storm Warnings are issued when freezing rain will cause widespread glazing. A coating of ice is expected to reach 1/4 inch thick or more on objects and make travel nearly impossible. For lesser amounts of ice, usually a winter weather advisory would be used, but even a thin glaze of ice can make travel difficult. Avoid travel.
Issued when wind chills of -35 F or lower are expected with wind speeds of 10 mph or more. A wind chill advisory is issued for values between -20 and -34 F. Dress warmly and cover as much exposed skin as possible.
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Now, here are some tips to keep in mind when nasty winter weather comes your way!
Proper winter weather awareness includes preparation. Here are some things that can help you.
- Check temperatures and wind chill indicies first.
- Dress warmly, with several layers. Dress for the worst just in case.
- Use a warm coat, gloves or mittens, a hat, and water-resistant boots.
- Cover exposed skin as much as possible.
- Watch for frostbite on finger tips, ear lobes, the nose, or toes.
- Avoid over-exertion. The cold already puts a strain on the body and heart.
- Extra flashlights and batteries
- A battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio or AM/FM portable radio
- Extra food and water (2-3 day supply)
- Extra medicine and baby items
- First Aid supplies
- Emergency Heating source**
- Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Move animals to a sheltered area.
- Supply extra food for animals.
- Have a fresh water supply (most animal deaths during the winter are from dehydration).
- Have an action plan.
- Monitor weather conditions closely.
- Use NOAA Weather Radio to get hourly wind chill values.
- School days may need to be delayed, cancelled, or shortened.
- Winterize your vehicle. Check the battery.
- Check the forecast and road conditions ahead of time.
- Consider adjusting your route to avoid poor driving conditions.
- Carry a cellular phone for use during emergencies.
- Keep the gas tank near full.
- Coordinate with others your destination and times of travel.
- Yield to snowplows. The snow cloud they produce can lower visibilities to near zero. Stay back - Stay Alive!
- Have a survival kit in your car:
- Extra blankets or sleeping bag
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First Aid kit with pockey knife
- Booster cables
- A rope
- A small shovel
- A bag of sand or cat litter for traction
- Plastic bags (for sanitation)
- Extra gloves, hat, and socks
- Non-perishable food items and bottled water
- Road maps (for alternative routes)
- If you do get stuck:
- Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
- Start the car for about 10 minutes every hour for heat.
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow.
- Tie a bright colored (red or orange) cloth to the antenna.
- Turn the dome light when running the engine.
- If you must venture away from the car, use a life-line or rope.
- Be careful of Dense Fog. Delay your travel if needed.
- Do not drive into a dense fog bank. Others may be stopped.
- In October 2002, a pile-up on Interstate 43 in eastern Wisconsin killed 10 people (see image) during dense fog.
- In January 2008, another series of accidents in southern Wisconsin led to some fatalities due to dense fog.
Hopefully by following some of these tips, you can have a very merry Christmas and a great new year! I will be posting more information on wind chills in days to come, so stay tuned!
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