WEATHER TERMS

WINTER STORM WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area. Listen to NOAA Weather Alert Radio, local radio and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.

WINTER STORM WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area. Stay indoors during the storm. If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs. Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.

BLIZZARD WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chills are expected. Stay indoors.  If driving and there is a possibility you will run into severe weather, let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route. Cellular phones are great, but use them for emergency situations to minimize overloading the cellular system during emergency conditions.  If you are driving and you get caught in a blizzard situation, seek shelter immediately.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY means 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.  Have emergency supplies in the trunk.  Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

FROST/FREEZE WARNING means below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significant damages to plants, crops, or fruit trees. In areas unaccustomed to freezing temperatures, people who have homes without heat need to take added precautions.

SNOW: Cloud temperature is cold enough for snow to form (28°-29° degrees); air above the ground does not melt it (30° to 31° degrees).

Flurries: Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected.

Showers: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible. 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.