Winter Storms

Hazards associated with the winter months arise from heavy snow and rain, freezing temperatures, and high winds. Besides being an inconvenience to all of us, with missed school and workdays, closed airports and roads, power outages and downed telephone lines, there are important dangers with winter storms of which we must aware.

In North America, the cold, dry Canadian area moves south and interacts with warmer, moist area as this air moves northerly from the Gulf of Mexico. When condensation of the colder air occurs, this is how snow develops.

For winter storms to occur, there must be cold air, moisture, and lift. Below freezing temperature causes the formation of snow and/or ice. The moisture is provided from bodies of water, and something to raise the moist area to form precipitation is the third ingredient needed (lift) to allow for the formation of winter storms.

Terms associated with winter storms:

Blizzard - Winds blowing at 35 mph or higher. Due to these fast winds with snow blowing everywhere, visibility can be significantly affected.

Cold Front - the point where dry, cold air from Canada meets warm, moist air moving north from the Gulf of Mexico and pushes away the warmer, moist air.

Lake Effect - downwind of major bodies of water such as the Great Lakes causes the air to acquire a lot of moisture. When this moisture turns to heavy snow due to the cold air, there can be many days of lots of snow being dumped in certain areas near the lakes. Buffalo, New York is one city that has heavy snowstorms due to this “lake effect”.

“Nor’easter” - named for the winds that blow from the northeast and affects the mid-Atlantic coast to New England, the “Nor’easter” is the classic winter storm. Nor’easters occur in the eastern United States any time between October and April. These winter storms are known for dumping huge amounts of rain and snow, with strong, hurricane-force winds.

Wind chill - Wind chill is not the actual air temperature, but is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin by the combined effects of wind and cold. Click here for more information about determining wind chill.

Winter Storm Watch - means that severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, may affect your area, but its occurrence, location and timing are still uncertain. A winter storm watch is issued to provide 12 to 36 hours notice of the possibility of severe winter weather.

Winter Storm Warning - when 4 or more inches of snow or sleet is expected in the next 12 hours, or 6 or more inches in 24 hours, or 1/4 inch or more of ice accumulation is expected.

Snow Terms-

• Flurries - light snow that does not accumulate and falls during a short period of time.
• Showers - snow which falls at varying intensities for short periods of time. Accumulation is possible.
• Squalls - snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds, with possible significant accumulation. These squalls are commonly seen in the Great Lakes region.

Hazards associated with winter storms:

• Extreme cold - winter storms can cause frostbite and hypothermia (low body temperature) due to extremely cold air.  This is particularly important if you are caught outside during a winter storm.
• Strong winds - can create blizzard conditions. These strong winds can topple utility poles, trees, and power lines.
• Poor visibility - blizzard conditions can cause significant problems with visibility, especially when driving. This can lead to traffic accidents. Visibility can be reduced to less than a quarter mile.
• Freezing rain - can accumulate and cause a coating of ice, especially on streets and roads. This can be a hazard to motorists.
• Sleet - rain drops that freeze can accumulate and become a hazard to motorists.
• Exhaustion and heart attacks - can occur due to overexertion when shoveling snow. People in poor health or with cardiac conditions should ask someone else to assist them with shoveling snow from their property.
• Asphyxiation/carbon monoxide poisoning - poor ventilation contributes to this hazard, especially when people use improperly operated space heaters, stoves, and other sources for heat.
• Damage to your home - pipes may freeze and burst. If your home is poorly insulated, you and your family may have problems keeping warm. Fires occur more frequently in the winter due to improperly used appliances and other items as a heating source.
• Stranding commuters - if you are at work or school and a winter storm hits, you might be stranded. Do you know what to do in this case?
• Animals and agriculture - heavy winter storms can cause harm to pets, livestock, and agriculture such as citrus crops and vegetables.
• Avalanches - in mountainous areas, heavy snows can lead to avalanches.

Preparing for winter storms:

Preparation is very similar to preparing for other weather-related conditions. See the section on Preparedness for further information. Your family should have a disaster plan and make it winter-specific. You may want to consider the following before the winter season begins:

• Have all snow removal equipment serviced and in good working condition.
• Make certain that you have the right type of shovel for snow removal.
• “Winterize” your car and have a full tank of gas at all times during the winter season if possible. (See below on how to winterize your car.)
• Learn First-Aid and CPR. Get specific training on how to manage exposure to the cold, frostbite, and hypothermia.
• I recommend that you consider purchasing winter clothing that can be easily identified in case of severe winter conditions, especially for your children. Bright-colored clothing and even clothing with reflective tape might be your best options.
• Check your home for proper insulation. Check your pipes and learn how to wrap your pipes to avoid freezing and bursting. You may be told to let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
• Learn how to turn off water valves if necessary.
• Depending on your heating source, you may want to have enough fuel available throughout the winter season (e.g. have your oil tank filled, get enough wood for your fireplace).
• Check your heaters and purchase the safest heaters and emergency heating equipment available. Ask your local fire department with assisting you in determining whether your heater is safe or not.
• You may need to consider flood insurance if you live in a flood prone area, especially after the snow thaws and the potential for flooding may increase.

You should have a winter storm survival kit for your vehicle. See below for additional information.

During a winter storm:

Staying indoors is the best approach to protecting you and your family from  winter storms.

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television stations for the latest updates concerning the weather.
• Use fire safely while indoors- be careful of heating and open flames in poorly ventilated areas.
• You may want to stay out of unneeded rooms and find ways to conserve fuel.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. If you feel that you are getting too hot, you can remove layers as needed.
• You must keep your clothes dry. If they get wet, you must change clothes since wet clothing will not keep you warm.

• Eat regularly and keep well hydrated with water. Food serves as a means of providing energy and keeping your body warm.

If you need to go outside during a winter storm, proceed with caution. Make certain that you keep your body warm and protected. Pay particular attention to your hands, feet, and head- wear enough clothing to keep these areas warm.

• Try not to stay outdoors in extremely cold temperature for long periods of time. You will need to go indoors to keep warm every 30-60 minutes. If you feel numbness in your fingers or toes, go indoors as soon as possible.
• Be carefully where you walk- stay away from icy sidewalks.
• Learn how to handle frostbite and hypothermia - prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures can become life-threatening. Individuals who are most vulnerable include infants, children, and the elderly.
• If you need to travel, inform someone of your destination, including primary and alternate routes.
• Try not to travel alone when there are winter weather advisories issued.

If you are outside when caught in a winter storm:

• Find shelter immediately.
• Try to keep warm and dry.
• Have all exposed parts of your body covered.
• Exercise your hands, arms, toes, and legs to keep the blood circulating and to keep warm.
• Seek any means of protection from the wind.
• If there is no shelter, you may need to build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
• If you are in a vehicle- stay in your vehicle. You may need to run the motor for about ten minutes each hour for heat. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning you will need to open a window a little to allow fresh air in. Also check your exhaust pipe to make certain it is unobstructed.
• Try to make yourself visible to rescuers. If you have a brightly colored cloth, place the cloth on your antenna or door. You can raise the hood of your car to indicate you are in trouble if it is no longer snowing.

Winter Driving

Winter driving can be problematic due to wet roads and poor visibility associated with blowing snow.  You need to constantly listen to weather reports if you are traveling during the winter months in areas prone to winter storms. Carry a winter storm survival kit in you vehicle- place in your car before the winter season begins.

Plan your trips during the winter months carefully. Make certain someone knows when you are leaving and when you should reach your destination.

If you get stuck in a winter storm, you are better off staying with your vehicle, unless you can visibly see a place where you can go for help. Make certain you display a “need help” sign or hang a brightly colored cloth from your vehicle. You may want to leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen by others (especially at night). I recommend that you try to do most of your winter driving during the day (if possible) and on well-traveled roads.

If you are with other people, watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. One important sign of hypothermia is sleepiness. Try to keep people awake and continue to move arms and legs to improve circulation. Take turns sleeping and wake the person periodically to avoid hypothermia.

You will want to “winterize” your vehicle before the start of the winter season. This is extremely important in that having your vehicle in good, running condition may get you out of tough situations in case you get stranded. Take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic and have him/her check the following:

• your fluids (antifreeze, oil, windshield wiper, and all other fluids)
• battery
• wipers
• ignition system
• thermostat, exhaust, and heating systems
• all lights
• brakes
• windows, including window defroster
• tires (find out the best tires to use in your community)

Click here for more information on winterizing your car:  The Internet has several good websites with information on this topic.

Here are some items to include in your kit for your vehicle:

What to do After the Winter Storm:

Make certain your family and neighbors are OK. If anyone needs special or emergency assistance, please be aware of what to do and whom to contact.

Before going outside, check your local news to determine if it is safe. Find out about road closures and businesses which may also be closed.

Many of us want to go outside to start shoveling the snow from our property. Be aware of overexertion that can occur. Unfortunately, people have been known to die from heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has some great information on snow shoveling safety. Click here for more information.

Check inside and outside of your home for any damage to your property. If you determine damage, take photos and contact your insurance company if necessary.

Here are my website picks for more information about winter storm safety:

• The National Weather Service has information on winter safety that can be found at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/.
• The Centers for Disease Control has winter safety information at  http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/.
• The US Environmental Protection Agency has information on protecting your family and home that can be found at http://www.epa.gov/region03/winter/.
• The University of Illinois Extension has a Winter Storm Resource Center that can be found at http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/winter/around.html.
• Check out the American Academy of Pediatrics information on winter safety for your children at http://www.epa.gov/region03/winter/.