WINTER STORM BASICS

Dangers of Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
The dangers of winter storms and extreme cold (The definition of extreme cold varies in different parts of the country. In the South, near-freezing temperatures are considered extreme cold. In the North, extreme cold means temperatures well below zero.)
  • Death due to exposure to cold.
  • Vehicle accidents and fatalities.
  • Fires due to dangerous use of heaters.
    • Hypothermia and Frostbite. (Prolonged exposure to cold can result in hypothermia, or an abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. What makes hypothermia dangerous is that a person may not know it is happening so he or she won't do anything about it.)
    • Hypothermia is most likely to occur at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40oF) if a person become chilled from rain, sweat or submersion in cold water.
    • Victims of hypothermia can be any of the following:
      • Elderly people without the proper food, clothing or heating. The elderly often make less body heat because they have slower metabolisms and do less physical activity. If you are over 65 years of age. check the temperature in your home during severely cold weather.  Also, check on elderly friends and neighbors to make sure their homes are properly heated.
      • Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms. Infants under one year old should never sleep in a cold room. Provide warm clothing for infants and keep a comfortable temperature inside the house. In an emergency, keep an infant warm by using your own body heat.  If you must sleep with the infant, take care not to roll on him or her while you are asleep. Pillows and other soft bedding can also present a risk of smothering; remove them from the infant's sleeping area.
      • People who stay outside for a long time. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body loses heat faster than it can product it. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body's stored energy. People at risk can include the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.
      • People who drink alcohol or use illegal drugs. Alcohol may make your body feel warm inside, but it causes your blood vessels to dilate, or expand, resulting more rapid heat loss from the surface of your skin. The body's natural shivering response is diminished in people who've been drinking alcohol. In addition, the use of alcohol or recreational drugs can affect your judgment about the need to get inside or wear warm clothes in cold weather conditions. If a person is intoxicated and passes out in cold weather, he or she is likely to develop hypothermia.
    • Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and people who are not dressed property for extremely cold temperatures.
  • Becoming trapped at home or in a car without utilities or other assistance.
  • Extremely cold temperatures, heavy snow and coastal flooding causing hazardous conditions.
Weather Alerts
A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.

Keep ahead of any winter storm by monitoring the ReadyFrankfort app for NOAA weather alerts for the latest storm warnings, watches and advisories.
  • Outlook - Winter storm conditions are possible in the net 2-5 days. Stay tuned to local media for updates.
  • Watch - Winter storm conditions are possible with the next 36-48 hours. Prepare now.
  • Warning - Life-threatening winter conditions have begun or will begin with 24 hours. Act now.
  • Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. If you are cautious, these situation should not be life-threatening.
Winter Weather Explained
Elements of Winter Storms.
All winter storms are made up of the same three elements: Cold Air, Moisture, and Lift. For snow and ice to form, the temperatures must be below freezing in the clouds and near the ground.

Types of Winter Precipitation
Rain, Freezing Rain, Sleet, Snow. Frozen precipitation melts into rain.

What is Wind Chill? 
Wind chill is the temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed. It is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold. As the speed of the wind increases, it can carry heat away from your body much more quickly, causing your skin temperature to drop.

Types of Winter Weather
The first step to preparing yourself for a winter storm and/or extreme cold (The definition of extreme cold varies in different parts of the country. In the South, near-freezing temperatures are considered extreme cold. In the North, extreme cold means temperatures well below zero.) is being aware of the types of winter weather conditions you might face.

Heavy Snow
Heavy snow can paralyze a region or city, stranding commuters, stopping the flow of supplies, and disrupting emergency and medical services. Accumulations of snow can collapse buildings and knock down trees and power lines. In rural areas, homes and farms may be isolated for days, and unprotected livestock may be lost. In the mountains, heavy snow can lead to avalanches. (An avalanche is mass of tumbling snow. More than 80% of midwinter avalanches are caused by a fast accumulation of snow, and 90% of those occur within 24 hours of snowfall. An avalanche may reach a mass of a million tons and travel up to 200 mph.)
  • Types of Heavy Snowfalls
    • Snow flurries.  Light snow falling for a short time. No accumulation or only light dusting is expected.
    • Snow showers: Snow falling at different intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.
    • Snow squalls: Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant.
    • Blowing snow: Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility. 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 that reduces visibility to near zero.
Ice Storms
Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees, electrical wires, telephone poles and lines, and communication towers. Even small accumulations of ice may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians. Bridges and overpasses are dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces.

Extreme Cold
Very cold temperatures are often felt during or after a winter storm. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia. Infants and elderly people have the highest risk of experiencing the dangers o extreme cold. Freezing temperatures an also cause pipe to freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or unheated.
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