Source: NOAA National Weather Service
(https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold-wind-chill-chart)
Winter Storms
Severe winter storms can have a tremendous impact on the health and safety of individuals, animals, and communities.
Cold temperatures, snow, ice, blizzard conditions with high winds and dangerous wind chills can all occur, leading to personal injury, frostbite, hypothermia, and possibly death. Accumulations of snow and ice can result in road closures or blockages — isolating homes and farms for days. During severe storms the heavy snow burden may caue roofs to collapse, or knock down trees and power lines, resulting in power outages and susequent loss of heat in homes. Fires or carbon monoxide poisoning can occur with the misuse of generators or gas-powered heaters.
Animals are also at risk during severe winter weather and are subject to wind chill factors, hypothermia and frostbite. Deaths can also occur due to dehydration, when water sources freeze and become unavailable. Winter conditions make getting food and water to animals more difficult. Unprotected livestock may be lost.
Businesses must also make preparations for winter storm situations. Protecting employees will be necessary to ensure their safety. Employees that must work outdoors during extreme situations should be provided the necessary education on risk and measures to stay safe.
The following resources will help you prepare your family, home and farm, animals and business for winter storm situations.
Winter Storm Preparedness Factsheets
Find winter weather forecasts for your area
Information on wind chill temperature and what the risks are for you.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
Website with winter weather forecasts, including probability maps.
National Weather Service
Know the Terminology
Find a full listing of winter related warnings and terminology from the National Weather Service.Winter Storm Watch: Potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. Be Prepared!
Blizzard Warning: Blizzard conditions are occurring or expected within the next 12-18 hours. Includes snow and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for 3 hours or longer AND sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater.Take Action!
Winter Storm Warning: Significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent. Includes 5 or more inches of snow/sleet within 12-hour period, OR 7 inches within 24-hour period AND/OR enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or powerlines AND/OR a life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice with wind. Be Prepared!
Ice Storm Warning: 1/4 inch or more of ice accumulation. Be Prepared!
Extreme Cold Warning (previously Wind Chill Warning): Wind chill or temperature is expected to fall to or below -10 degrees east of the Blue Ridge Mountains or -20 degrees west of and including the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take Action!
Learn about Winter Storm Preparedness
What to do before, during and after a winter storm as well as information on possible flooding.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Website providing winter weather basics.
NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory
How to prepare for winter storms and prevent cold temperature-related health problems
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)