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Winter Weather Awarness!

Today is WINTER WEATHER AWARNESS DAY... and right on time, we got to see snow falling here in the Metro! That is OUR cue to get prepared for the change of seasons.

Let's go over some important topics!

WINTER DEFINITIONS
You need to understand what is happening in order to be prepared, right?? Here are some common winter definitions from the NWS:

WATCHES: A watch is issued whenever severe winter conditions are expected but not imminent. Watches are usually issued anywhere from 12 to 48 hours in advance of a winter storm.

WARNINGS: A warning is issued when severe winter weather conditions are expected... that could cause death, injury or significant property damage. Various warnings include:

Winter Storm Warning: issued when any of the following may occur:
* A mix of freezing precipitation which causes life-threatening conditions (e.g., several inches of snow with freezing rain)
* Heavy snow criteria and wind that also results in blowing snow
* Any other combination of winter weather warning criteria

Heavy Snow Warning: issued when 6 inches or more is expected in a 12-hour period, OR 8 inches or more in a 24 hour period.

Ice Storm Warning: Damaging accumulations of ice 1/4" or greater.

Blizzard Warning: Sustained wind gusts to 35 mph or higher... AND considerable snow and/or blowing snow reducing visibilities to a 1/4 mile or less. BOTH of these must occur for a period of 3 hours or longer.

Sleet Warning: Sleet accumulations of 1/2 inch or more are expected.

Wind Chill Warning: Wind chill indices are expected to reach -25 degrees or colder.

ADVISORIES: Advisories are used for winter precipitation events that cause significant inconveniences... but are not considered life-threatening IF caution is exercised. Some advisories include:

Winter Weather Advisory: A mix of freezing and/or frozed precipitation not expected to reach warning criteria... but that will lead to significant inconveniences.

Snow Advisory: New snow accumulation is sufficient to cause travel problems, but is less than 6 inches in 12 hours, or 8 inches in 24 hours. Depending on the time of the year, or time of day... a minimum snow amount of as little as 1 to 2 inches in less than 12 hours can warrant an Advisory.

Blowing Snow Advisory: Blowing snow which intermittently reduces visibility to less than 1/2 a mile... or producing drifting snow which closes roadways.

Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory: Snow and blowing snow expected in combination which meets criteria for both advisory types.

Sleet Advisory: Sleet accumulations of less than 1/2 an inch.

Freezing Rain Advisory: Freezing rain or freezing drizzle with accumulations less than 1/4 inch.

Wind Chill Advisory: Wind chill indices are expected to range between -15 to -24 degrees.

Now let's talk about some of the effects of winter weather on the body:
FROSTBITE: this is damage to the body tissue caused by extreme cold. A wind chill of -20 will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes! Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale apperance 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 rewarm affected areas. However, if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities.

HYPOTHERMIA: this is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops below 95F. You can die from hypothermia! For those who survive... there are likely to be lasting kidney, liver and pancreas problems. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Take the person's temperature. If it is below 95F, seek medical care immediately!

In the coming days... we will talk more about winter precipitation TYPES and winter DRIVING.
Jamie

Posted by at November 16, 2005 2:28 PM

Comments

Posted by: Mike at November 18, 2005 12:23 PM