Department of Public Safety
Winter Storms
Check out Winter Storms...The Underrated
Killer - An excellent winter weather preparedness guide!
The President declared an
emergency
for the unforgettable Blizzard
of '99
Winter Weather Bulletins issued by the National Weather
Service
BULLETIN |
DEFINITION |
Winter Storm Watch |
A major snow and/or ice storm is developing and may arrive within 24 to 48 hours |
Snow Advisory |
3 to 6 inches of snow over a 12 hour period is expected soon or is occurring now |
Blowing Snow Advisory |
Blowing snow and reduced visibility can be expected soon or is occurring now |
Winter Weather Advisory |
A light to moderate mix of rain, snow, sleet
and/or freezing rain can be expected soon or is occurring now |
Winter Storm Warning |
At least 6 inches of snow over a 12 hour
period &/or significant amounts of freezing rain and gusty winds can be expected soon or is occurring now |
Ice Storm Warning |
1/4 inch or more of ice accumulation on
exposed surfaces is expected soon or is occurring now |
Heavy Snow Warning |
At least 6 inches of snow over a 12 hour
period in calm to light winds can be expected soon or is occurring now |
Blizzard Warning |
Snow with sustained winds of 35 miles per
hour causing visibility frequently below 1/4 mile can be expected soon or is occurring now |
The Importance of Wind Chill
During the winter months, it's not only the
actual temperature that we worry about, but the wind chill temperature as well. The Wind
Chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the combined effects
of wind and cold. It is how cold the air feels to our skin. As the wind increases,
heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate. The following is a chart that
graphically correlates the properties of Air Temperature and Wind Speed.
Basic Automotive Winter Travel Equipment
Ice and snow scraper |
Fire extinguisher |
At least 1 extra jug of |
Matches and paper towels |
Tow rope |
Sand or cat litter |
Tool kit |
Flashlight and spare batteries |
Booster cables |
Nonperishable high calorie food |
Road maps |
Water container |
Compass |
First aid kit |
Blankets or sleeping bags |
Shovel |
| Wind Speed | Description |
|---|---|
0 |
Smoke rises vertically |
1-3 |
The direction of the wind is shown by smoke but not wind vanes |
4-7 |
Wind is felt on the face, leaves rustle, wind vanes move |
8-12 |
Leaves and small twigs are in motion, small flags are extended |
13-18 |
Dust and loose paper is raised, small branches move |
19-24 |
Small leafy trees sway, crested wavelets form on lakes & ponds |
25-31 |
Large branches are in motion, whistling is heard on power lines |
32-38 |
Whole trees in motion, inconvenience in walking against wind |
39-46 |
Twigs break off trees, difficult to walk against the wind |
47-54 |
Minor structural damage such as chimneys and shingles |
55-72 |
Damage to chimneys and antennas, shallow rooted trees uprooted |
73-113 |
Roof surfaces peel, windows break, moving cars pushed off road |
113-157 |
Roofs, weak buildings, mob. homes destroyed, lg. trees uprooted |
[Red indicates severe thunderstorm criteria]
| Size | Description |
|---|---|
1/4 inch |
Pea size |
1/2 inch |
Marble size |
3/4 inch |
Dime size |
1 inch |
Quarter size |
1 3/4 inch |
Golf ball size |
2 3/4 inch |
Baseball size |
[Red indicates severe thunderstorm criteria]
| EMA Home | Winter Driving Tips | Winter Survival Safety Tips |