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Winter Storms
Winter Storm Definition and Characteristics: A winter storm can range from moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow that last several days. Some winter storms may be large enough to affect several states while others may affect only a single community. All winter storms are accompanied by low temperatures and blowing snow, which can severely reduce visibility. A severe winter storm is one that drops 4 or more inches of snow during a 12-hourperiod, or 6 or more inches during a 24-hour span.An ice storm occurs when freezing rain falls from clouds and freezes immediately on impact. All winter storms make driving and walking extremely hazardous. The aftermath of a winter storm can impact a community or region for days, weeks, and even months. Storm effects such as extreme cold, flooding, and snow accumulation can cause hazardous conditions and hidden problems for people in the affected area.
Blizzard Warning - A combination of cold air, heavy snows, and strong winds with blowing snow-reducing visibility to near zero, which creates the most dangerous of all winter storms. Blizzard warnings are issued when the National Weather Service predicts a heavy accumulation of snow together with winds exceeding 35 miles an hour and temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit over an extended period.
Blowing Snow - Wind driven snow that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting. Blowing snow may be snow that is falling and/or loose snow on the ground picked up by the wind.
Freezing Rain or Drizzle - Rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, sidewalks and roads, forming a coating or a thin, smooth glaze of ice. When this glaze appears on roadways it is sometimes referred to as “Black Ice” and is very hazardous to motorists.
Frost/Freeze Warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees.
Sleet - Raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists.
Snow - A steady snowfall, typically for several hours, unless qualifying words such as occasional or intermittent are used.
Snow Flurries - Light Snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or a light dusting is all that is expected, but visibility may be reduced.
Wind Chill - “Wind chill” is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature just below freezing can make the air feel about 35 degrees colder.
Wind Chill Index - A very strong wind combined with a temperature slightly below freezing can have the same chilling effect as a temperature nearly 50-degrees Fahrenheit lower with calm conditions.
Winter Storm Warning - A winter storm is imminent. You should take precautionary measures and continue listening for future information. A Winter Storm Warning involves a forecast of heavy snow of 6 inches or more or less snow (3 to 6 inches) in combination with strong winds causing considerable blowing and drifting. Also may include the possibility of heavy sleet or freezing rain.
Winter Storm Watch - Conditions are favorable for the development of severe winter weather.
Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists. These weather conditions are of less magnitude than a blizzard or winter storm warning. The National Weather Service will generally provide additional information on predicted conditions.
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