Winter Terms

During instances of severe winter weather, it is important to familiarize yourself with the different terms used by the extreme winter weather alerts. By knowing these terms, you can better prepare yourself for incoming severe weather.

• Freezing Rain — Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

• Sleet — Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

• Wind Chill — Windchill is the temperature it “feels like” when you are outside.

• Winter Weather Advisory — Winter weather conditions are expected to may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening. The National Weather Service issues a winter weather advisory when conditions are expected to cause be hazardous. If caution is used, these situations should not be life-threatening.

• Winter Storm Watch — A winter storm is possible in your area.

Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information. The NWS issues a winter storm watch when severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/ or ice, may affect your area but the location and timing are still uncertain. A winter storm watch is issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a potential severe storm. Monitor alerts, check your emergency supplies, and gather any items you may need if you lose power.

• Winter Storm Warning — A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

• Blizzard Warning — Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer. • Frost/Freeze Warning — Below freezing temperatures are expected.