NOAA WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY, WATCH, AND WARNING DEFINITIONS: WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY- Winter weather is expected to cause travel problems and danger to motorists WINTER STORM WATCH- Conditions are favorable for significant accumulations of ice and / or snow over the forecast region WINTER STORM WARNING- Winter storm conditions are occurring or very imminent NOAA ADVISORY AND WARNING TYPES: WIND CHILL ADVISORY- Cold temperatures and strong wind will combine to produce very cold wind chill temperatures SNOW ADVISORY- Several inches of snow are expected to occur within the next 24 hours over the forecast region FREEZING RAIN / SLEET ADVISORY- Accumulations of ice (even very light accumulations) are expected to cause hazardous travel conditions BLOWING / DRIFTING SNOW ADVISORY- Wind blown snow is expected to result in poor visibilities and hazardous driving conditions HEAVY SNOW WARNING- Heavy snow is occurring or very shortly will occur with 6" or more of total snowfall expected ICE STORM WARNING- Heavy accumulations of ice is or very shortly will create travel hazards and could seriously damage trees, power lines and sensitive structures BLIZZARD WARNING- Heavy snow or blowing snow with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities less than 1/4 of a mile is occurring or is expected very shortly over the forecast region WINTER STORM PREPARATION WHILE AT HOME: 1. Have a heat source other than a source that requires electricity. Make sure heat source does not allow the build up of hazardous fumes in the home 2. Keep faucets dripping to prevent the freezing of pipes 3. Have a battery operated TV, radio, flashlight, phone 4. Have a supply of food that does not require electricity to cook 5. If electricity goes out, dress in several layers of clothing and when sleeping cover yourself with blankets 6. Make sure pets are protected WINTER STORM PREPARATION WHILE TRAVELING: 1. Have a battery operated TV, radio, flashlight, phone, heater 2. Have a traction substance such as kitty litter / car chains 3. Drive slowly and with extreme caution 4. Have some ready to eat food 5. Try to keep gas tank at least 1/2 full 6. If under winter storm or very cold conditions and your car becomes stranded, do NOT leave the car. Display a trouble sign. Occasionally run the engine to keep warm. Make sure ventilation is enough to not allow a dangerous build-up of hazardous fumes in the car. Keep yourself well covered and stretch occasionally. |