Know Your Risk. Take Action. #BeWeatherReady
WINTER STORMS
- Snow and Sleet
- Snow and Sleet primarily affect travel, but can also damage infrastructure
- Blizzards
- Blizzards occur when strong winds cause blowing snow and whiteout conditions
- Do not travel during a blizzard warning, especially in open country
- Freezing Rain
- Freezing rain affects travel and can knock out power
- Have an emergency kit in case the power goes out
- Snow Squalls
- Snow squalls produce sudden white-out conditions, falling temperatures, and icy roads
- These events are usually very short-lived (30-60 minutes) and extremely intense
- Be Ready for a Winter Storm:
- Winter Storm Warning – Snow, sleet, or ice expected! Take Action. Confidence is high that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.
- Winter Storm Watch – Snow, sleet, or ice possible! Be Prepared. Confidence is medium that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.
- Winter Weather Advisory – Wintry weather expected! Exercise Caution. Light amounts of wintry precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions and could affect travel if precautions are not taken.
COLD WEATHER
- Cold Temperatures
- Cold weather can cause frostbite or hypothermia
- Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outside
- Be Ready for Cold Weather:
- Wind Chill Warning – Dangerous cold expected! Plan Ahead. Confidence is high that very cold air and strong wind could lead to frostbite or hypothermia in a matter of minutes.
- Wind Chill Watch – Dangerous cold possible! Be Prepared. Confidence is medium for very cold air and strong wind.
- Wind Chill Advisory – Cold weather expected! Exercise Caution. Cold and breezy conditions could cause frostbite or hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
HIGH WIND
- Strong Wind
- Powerful winter storms can bring strong winds that cause damage
- Strong wind makes travel difficult, especially for large vehicles
- Seek shelter in a sturdy structure during strong winds
- Be Ready for High Wind:
- High Wind Warning – Strong wind expected! Plan Ahead. Confidence is high that gusty winds will make travel difficult, especially for large vehicles. Damage to trees, power lines, and buildings is also possible.
- High Wind Watch – Strong wind possible! Be Prepared. Confidence is medium that gusty winds will develop. If they do, it could make travel difficult and cause damage.
FLOODING
- Flooding
- Flooding can be caused by heavy rain, snow melt, or ice jams
- More than half of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related
- Never drive through flood waters
- Ice Jams
- Ice jam flooding occurs when chunks of ice build up and prevent water from flowing downstream
- This can lead to rapid rises upstream or downstream from the jam
- Debris Flows
- Debris flows are possible when rain falls on steep terrain or burn scars
- Soil, rocks, plants, and other objects may be swept downhill
- Never drive around barricades
- Be Ready for a Flood:
- Flood Warning – Flooding expected! Take Action. Confidence is high that flooding is occurring or will shortly.
- Flood Watch – Flooding possible! Be Prepared. Confidence is medium that flooding may develop.
FOG
- Dense Fog
- Dense fog poses a threat to motorists
- Slow down
- Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you
- Use your low-beam headlights
- Be Ready for Foggy Conditions:
- Dense Fog Advisory – Dense fog expected! Exercise Caution. Areas of dense fog will reduce visibility and pose a threat to motorists.
Source: National Weather Service
