In the West and Alaska, winds descending off the mountains can gust to 100 mph or more, damaging roofs and
other structures.
Extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm, or is left in its wake. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia
and become life-threatening. Infants and elderly people are most susceptible.
What constitutes extreme cold and its effect varies across different areas of the
United States. In areas unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered "extreme cold." Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to citrus
fruit crops and other vegetation. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat. In the north, below zero temperatures may be considered
as "extreme cold." Long cold spells can cause rivers to freeze, disrupting shipping. Ice jams may form and lead to flooding.
Ice Storms, heavy accumulations
of ice can bring down trees, electrical wires, telephone poles and lines, and communication towers. Communications and power can be disrupted for days while utility
companies work to repair the extensive damage. Even small accumulations of ice may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
Heavy snow storms can
immobilize a region and paralyze a city, stranding commuters, stopping the flow of supplies, and disrupting emergency and medical services. Accumulations of snow can
collapse buildings and knock down trees and power lines. In rural areas, homes and farms may be isolated for days, and unprotected livestock may be lost. In the
mountains, heavy snow can lead to avalanches.
The cost of snow removal, repairing damages, and loss of business can have large economic impacts on cities and
towns.
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Section 2 - Winter Precipitation.
Snow Flurries - Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected.
Snow Showers - Snow falling at
varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.
Snow Squalls - Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds.
Accumulation may be significant. Snow squalls are best known in the Great Lakes region.
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.
Blizzard - Winds over 35 mph with snow and
blowing snow reducing visibility to near zero.
Sleet - Rain drops 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.
Freezing Rain - Rain that falls onto a surface with
a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can
cause a significant hazard.
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Section 3 - Winter Regions.
From the Mid-Atlantic Coast to New England....
The classic storm is called a Nor'easter. A low pressure area off the Carolina coast strengthens and moves
north. Wind-driven waves batter the coast from Virginia to Maine, causing flooding and severe beach erosion. The storm taps the Atlantic's moisture-supply and dumps heavy
snow over a densely populated region. The snow and wind may combine into blizzard conditions and form deep drifts paralyzing the region. Ice storms are also a problem.
Mountains, such as the Appalachians, act as a barrier to cold air trapping it in the valleys and adjacent low elevations. Warm air and moisture moves over the cold,
trapped air. Rain falls from the warm layer onto a cold surface below becoming ice.
Along the Gulf Coast and Southeast....
This region is generally
unaccustomed to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Once in a while, cold air penetrates south across Texas and Florida, into the Gulf of Mexico. Temperatures fall
below freezing killing tender vegetation, such as flowering plants and the citrus fruit crops. Wet snow and ice rapidly accumulate on trees with leaves, causing the
branches to snap under the load. Motorists are generally unaccustomed to driving on slick roads and traffic accidents increase. Some buildings are poorly insulated or
lack heat altogether. Local municipalities may not have available snow removal equipment or treatments, such as sand or salt, for icy roads.
In the Midwest and
Plains....
Storms tend to develop over southeast Colorado in the lee of the Rockies. These storms move east or northeast and use both the southward plunge of cold
air from Canada and the northward flow of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico to produce heavy snow and sometimes blizzard conditions. Other storms affecting the Midwest and
Plains intensify in the lee of the Canadian Rockies and move southeast. Arctic air is drawn from the north and moves south across the Plains and Great Lakes. Wind and
cold sometimes combine to cause wind chill temperatures as low as 70F below zero. The wind crosses the lakes, tapping its moisture and forming snow squalls and narrow
heavy snow bands. This is called "lake-effect snow."
From the Rockies to the West Coast....
Strong storms crossing the North Pacific sometimes slam into
the coast from California to Washington. The vast Pacific provides an unlimited source of moisture for the storm. If cold enough, snow falls over Washington and Oregon
and sometimes even in California. As the moisture rises into the mountains, heavy snow closes the mountain passes and can cause avalanches. The cold air from the north
has to filter through mountain canyons into the basins and valleys to the south. If the cold air is deep enough, it can spill over the mountain ridge. As the air funnels
through canyons and over ridges, wind speeds can reach 100 mph, damaging roofs and taking down power and telephone lines. Combining these winds with snow results in a
blizzard.
In Alaska....
Wind-driven waves from intense storms crossing the Bering Sea produce coastal flooding and can drive large chunks of sea ice
inland destroying buildings near the shore. High winds, especially across Alaska's Arctic coast, can combine with loose snow to produce a blinding blizzard and wind chill
temperatures to 90F below zero! Extreme cold (-40F to -60F) and ice fog may last a week at a time. Heavy snow can impact the interior and is common along the southern
coast. With only brief glimpses of the winter sun across the southern horizon, the snow accumulates through the winter months. In the mountains, it builds glaciers, but
the heavy snow accumulations can also cause avalanches or collapse roofs of buildings. A quick thaw means certain flooding. Ice jams on rivers can also cause substantial
flooding.
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Section 4 - Winter Storm Facts.
What Makes a Winter Storm?
Cold air, moisture, and lift.
Winter Storms are considered "deceptive killers" because....
COLD
Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by that tissue being frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in
extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly warm
affected areas. However, if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities.
Hypothermia - Low Body Temperature.
Warning signs - uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
Detection - Take the person's
temperature. If below 95F (35C),immediately seek medical care! If medical care is not available, begin warming the person slowly. Warm the body core first. If needed, use
your own body heat to help. Get the person into dry clothing, and wrap them in a warm blanket covering the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee,
or any hot beverage or food; warm broth is better. Do not warm extremities (arms and legs) first! This drives the cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart
failure. Wind Chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by combined effects of wind and cold. As the wind increases, heat is carried
away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill. AVOID OVEREXERTION, such as shoveling
heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
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Section 5 - Winter Safety Tips.
When CAUGHT in a Winter Storm....
Outdoors....
Find shelter, try to stay dry, and cover all exposed parts of the body.
If no shelter, prepare a
lean-to, wind-break, or snow cave for protection from the wind.
Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect
heat. Do not eat snow, it will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
If in a car or truck....
Stay in your car or truck. Disorientation occurs
quickly in wind-driven snow and cold. Run the engine about ten minutes each hour for heat. Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning,
make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked. Make yourself visible to rescuers. Turn on the dome light at night when running engine. Tie a colored cloth (preferably
red) to your antenna or door. Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling. Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers, and toes
to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
At home or in a building....
Stay inside. When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space
heater, etc., use fire safeguards. Be sure to properly ventilate. If no heat, close off unneeded rooms. Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
Cover windows at
night. Eat and drink regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration. Wear layers
of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chill.
Keep ahead of the storm by listening to
NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, and television for the latest winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories.
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Section 6 - What to Listen For.
WINTER STORM WATCH: Severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, are possible within the next day or two. Prepare now!
WINTER STORM WARNING:
Severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin in your area. Stay indoors!
BLIZZARD WARNING: Snow and strong winds will combine to produce a blinding
snow (near zero visibility), deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge immediately!
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY: Winter weather conditions are
expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, these situations should not become life- threatening. The greatest hazard is
often to motorists.
FROST/FREEZE WARNING: Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significant damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees. In areas
unaccustomed to freezing temperatures, people who have homes without heat need to take added precautions.
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Section 7 - Be Prepared, Before the Storm Strikes!
At home and at work....
The primary concerns are the potential loss of heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions
continue for more than a day. Have available, at least one flashlight, and extra batteries. A battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, and portable radio to receive
emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside. Extra food and water. High energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking
or refrigeration is best. Extra medicine and baby items. First-aid supplies. Heating fuel, fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm. Have
an emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. Learn to use properly to prevent a fire. Be sure to have proper ventilation. A fire
extinguisher and smoke detector are a must. Test units regularly to ensure they are working properly.
In cars and trucks....
Plan your route of travel
and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm if possible! Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins. Carry a WINTER STORM
SURVIVAL KIT, including....
- blankets / sleeping bags
- at least one flashlight with extra batteries
- a first-aid kit
- a knife
- high-calorie, non-perishable food
- extra clothing to keep dry
- a large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
- a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
- a sack of sand (or cat litter) to help provide at least some traction on slick surfaces
- a shovel
- a windshield scraper and a brush
- a tool kit
- a tow rope
- booster cables
- water container
- a compass and road maps
Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
Try not to travel alone.
Let someone know your timetable and primary and
alternate routes. On the farm....
Move animals to sheltered areas. Have shelter belts, properly laid out and oriented. They are better protection for
cattle than confining shelters, such as sheds.
Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas. Have a water supply available. Most animal deaths in winter storms are from
dehydration. DRESS TO FIT THE SEASON. Wear loose-fitting, light, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air insulates. Layers can be removed to avoid
perspiration and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded. Wear a hat. Half your body heat loss can be from the head. Cover
your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. Try to stay dry.
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Section 8 - Family Disaster Plan.
Families should be prepared for all hazards that could affect their area. NOAA's National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American
Red Cross urge every family to develop a family disaster plan.
Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere....at work, at school, or in the
car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would
you do if basic services water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off?
Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan...
I. Gather
information about hazards. Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management office, and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of
disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community's warning signals and evacuation plans.
II. Meet with your family to create a plan.
Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in
case you can't return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your "family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do
if advised to evacuate.
III. Implement your plan.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by phones
- Install safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
- Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as items that can move, fall, break, or catch fire) and correct them
- Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in
your home
- Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number
- Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation.
Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container
- Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
A Disaster Supplies Kit Should Include....
- A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil
- One change of clothing and footwear per person
- One blanket or sleeping bag per person
- A first-aid kit, including prescription medicines
- Emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries
- An extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash
- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
IV. Practice and maintain your plan. Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your
smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries two times each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored
water and food every 6 months.
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