Know What to Watch Out For
Monitor local news and check weather forecasts at the National Weather Service website. Here are some terms you might hear:
- Winter storm: Winter storms involve snow, sleet, or freezing rain.
- Ice storm: When 1/4 inch of ice or more builds up, driving and walking are hazardous, and power lines can break because of the weight of the ice.
- Blizzard: A blizzard involves snow, gusty winds up to 35 mph or more, near-zero-visibility conditions, and a wind-chill factor that can be life threatening.
- Winter storm watch: Severe winter conditions might occur in the next 12-36 hours.
- Winter storm warning: Severe winter conditions are expected in the next 12-24 hours. This is defined as 4-6 inches of snow or sleet, or at least 1/4 inch of ice.
- Blizzard warning: A blizzard is expected in the next 12-24 hours.