The Onset of Winter Storms
Ever wanted to get up tomorrow first thing and run outside to play in the snow instead of just sitting in a homeroom or office? Winter storms often bring about days off, where the weather patterns make travel and exposure to cold air excessively unsafe for standard everyday activities.
A winter storm is a climate occasion where the precipitation is chiefly snow, sleet, or freezing rain. Frequently combined with strong and below-freezing temperatures, winter storms can be hazardous. Now, the question is, how does a winter storm form and begin in the first place?
A significant winter storm can last several days, including high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, and cold temperatures. Without utilities or other services, people can become trapped at home. Heavy snowfall and snowstorms (or blizzards) can also trap drivers in their cars.
Attempting to walk or ask for help in a snowstorm can be dangerous. Winter storms can make driving and walking unsafe and affect a local area or district for days, weeks, or months.
Storm effects like very old temperatures and snow accumulation, and now and again waterfront or coasting flooding, can cause hazardous conditions and unforeseen issues for individuals in the impacted region.
Winter storms can range from moderate snow for a couple of hours to blizzard conditions, with blinding wind-driven snow lasting a few days. Some might be sufficiently enormous to affect a few states, while others might affect just a single locality. Many winter storms are joined by low temperatures and heavy, blowing snow, which can seriously diminish visibility.
Winter storms can be characterized differently in different parts of the country. Heavy snow in the South can be a dusting in the mountains. To anticipate such a storm, check with your local emergency office, National Weather Service (NWS) office, or American Red Cross for terms and definitions intended for your area.
On the one hand, sleet is raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before arriving on the ground. Sleet normally bounces while hitting a surface and doesn't adhere to objects; in any case, it can gather like snow and cause a hazard to drivers.
On the other hand, freezing rain is a downpour that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. It sticks to surfaces like trees, vehicles, and streets, forming a glaze of ice. Indeed, even small patches of ice can pose a huge danger.
Lastly, an ice storm occurs when freezing precipitation falls and freezes promptly on impact. Communication lines and power can be down for a long time, and surprisingly, small collections of ice might pose outrageous risks to motorists and pedestrians.
Now, let's get past the basics.
This article will detail the different types of winter storms, weather advisories and warnings, and preparations you can make before the storm.
Additionally, we will discuss the dos and don'ts before, during, and after a winter storm.
The Different Types of Winter Storms
Like other storms, winter storms start with moist air ascending into the atmosphere, which is important for cloud formation and precipitation. Rising air is normal at a cold front, where warm air is lifted above cool air, and it can likewise occur as air climbs a huge slope or mountain.
A source of moisture, for example, air blowing across a huge lake or sea and getting water vapor, is fundamental for clouds and precipitation to frame in the first place. And then, finally, a winter storm is different from other storms because of its cold air feature.
Below-freezing air temperatures close to the ground and up to the clouds will make precipitation fall as one or the other snow or ice. In any case, very cold air can't hold as much dampness and, in this manner, won't make a lot of snow.
Now, what do we know about the different types of winter storms? Blizzards are one type, while snowstorms with high winds are another. Lake-effect storms are snowstorms that occur close to the Great Lakes. Ice storms can bring freezing rain or sleet along with snow.
Listed below are the different types of winter storms:
Snowstorms
A storm where precipitation falls as snow is known as a snowstorm. In the colder time of year, most precipitation structures are snow inside the mists since temperatures at the highest point of the tempest are adequately cold to make snowflakes.
Snowflakes are simply assortments of ice crystals that structure as water vapor gathers into water drops and freezes. These ice crystals stay together as they fall toward the ground, shaping snowflakes.
If the air temperature stays at or beneath 0℃ (32°F) between the cloud and the ground, the precipitation will fall as snow. If the air close to the ground is above freezing, the precipitation will melt to form rain or freezing rain.
Furthermore, a snowstorm in which snow does not gather past a light dusting is known as a snow flurry. A brief snowstorm with snow falling at varying intensities and some accumulation is known as a snow shower. Assuming the snow showers are joined by strong gusts of wind and the accumulation of heaps of snow, they are called snow squalls.
Blizzard
A blizzard is an extreme snowstorm characterized by the strength of its breezes rather than the amount of snow it brings. With wind speeds at or over 56 kph (35 mph), blizzards create blowing snow conditions in which the breeze carries snow to the ground, decreasing permeability and causing snowdrifts.
Typically, a blizzard lasts at least three (3) hours and frequently prompts gathering loads of snow, either new snowfall or the rearrangement of recently fallen snow.
Lake Effect Storms
Most blizzards form because of low-pressure systems that lift damp air into the air, yet lake-effect storms form because of the overflow of moisture from the Great Lakes.
When cold, dry air from the north passes over the Great Lakes region, it produces a lot of water fumes. This fume gathers and falls back to the ground as heavy snowstorms in the areas south and east of the lakes.
Ice Storms
An ice storm is a winter storm that accumulates up to 6.35 mm (0.25 inch) of ice on every open-air surface. The ice forms a smooth layer on the ground, making driving and strolling perilous. Because of its weight, the ice can also cause branches and powerlines to snap.
Due to the temperature of the air masses in the storm, various kinds of icy winter weather are still possible. Sleet forms when snowflakes falling toward the surface initially pass through a layer of air above freezing, which causes them to soften to some extent. Then, they pass through a layer of air below freezing, which causes them to freeze into ice pellets.
Like sleet formation, freezing rain occurs when precipitation (rain or snow) passes through a layer of hotter air, permitting it to become rain, and then through a layer of much colder air.
In any case, the downpour can't re-freeze this time as it falls through the shallow layer of freezing air close to the surface. It is supercooled during this cycle and freezes in a flash upon contact with cold surfaces.
Winter Weather Advisory: Winter Storm Warning
Winter storms frequently create conditions where exposure to the outdoors and travel become risky due to cold temperatures, wind, snow, or ice.
Check your local forecast for information about winter storms in your area. Monitor the weather conditions before heading outside during the winter months.
The National Weather Service issues caution regarding weather conditions for regions that ought to get ready for blizzards, snowstorms, wind chill, lake effect storms, and ice storms, given three levels of storm likelihood:
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Winter Weather Warning
Take action. A winter storm will impact your region. Be ready for heavy snow or ice, strong winds, and freezing temperatures that make travel and outdoor exposure hazardous.
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Winter Weather Watch
Be prepared. Conditions are ideal for a winter storm in your area, and serious winter weather is possible. If a winter storm hits your region, be ready for heavy snow or ice, strong winds, and freezing temperatures that might make travel and outdoor exposure risky.
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Winter Weather Advisory
Be aware. Winter weather conditions should be expected; however, they won't be adequately severe enough to meet advanced warning levels. Practice alertness and caution while traveling and avoid prolonged exposure to the outdoors.
Planning for a Winter Storm
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Developing a Family Disaster Plan
Developing a family disaster plan will help you and other family members react better to a winter storm.
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Firstly, comprehend the risks of wind chill, which joins the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat becomes out of hand from an individual's body at a sped-up rate, driving down the internal body temperature. "Wind chill" estimates how cold it feels when the effects of wind speed and temperature are joined. A strong wind just beneath freezing can have a similar impact as a still air temperature around 35 degrees colder.
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Next, service snow removal equipment before the winter storm season. It ought to be accessible for use if necessary. Of course, you should maintain it in good working order.
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Keep your car's fuel tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
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Get training, such as the American Red Cross medical aid course, to learn how to treat cold exposure, frostbite, and hypothermia.
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Discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Assign one family member as the winter storm preparedness leader. Have that person examine what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is given.
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While you're at it, have another family member dictate what the person would do if anyone gets caught outside or in a vehicle throughout a winter storm. Everybody should understand what to do if all family members are not together. Examining winter storms quite early lessens dread and tells everybody how to answer throughout a winter storm.
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Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
Winter Storm-specific supplies should include the following:
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A warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots for each family member.
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Extra blankets and warm clothing.
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Non-clumping kitty litter. Kitty litter will generate temporary traction. Rock salt will melt ice on walkways but can damage vegetation and concrete. Other, less damaging, ice-melting products are available from building supply stores.
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Disaster Supplies Kit basics.
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Protect your Property
Protecting your property will save you the trouble of repair and labor fees and provide you and your family with the shelter you'll need during a winter storm. First, insulate your walls and attic to conserve electricity and reduce your home's power demands for heat.
Next, install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to get an extra insulation layer, keeping more cold air out. You can also keep pipes from freezing by (a) wrapping pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers, (b) covering them using plastic to keep out the moisture, (c) letting faucets drip to decrease the chances of freezing, and (d) knowing how to properly shut off water valves.
However, if pipes freeze, remove any insulation and wrap them in rags. You should also consider storing sufficient heating fuel. Just be cautious of fire hazards when storing any type of fuel.
Also, before winter, check smoke alarms. Keep emergency heating equipment, such as fireplaces, camp stoves, portable space heaters, etc., safe. Use fire safeguards and ventilate properly to decrease fire hazards.
Additionally, installing snow fences in rural areas to reduce drifting on roads and paths is a good idea. Buying flood insurance to cover potential flood damage is a wise choice if you live in a flood-prone area.
BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER A WINTER STORM
Before
Before a winter storm, use NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-ready feature to stay educated about watches and warnings in your area. Then, contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross for information on designated public shelters if you lose power or heat.
During
Listen for updated information on NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations during a winter storm. Be cautious and aware of changing weather conditions, as they can occur rapidly.
Moreover, animals or pets should be moved to sheltered areas while ensuring that they get adequate food and water supply. At this time, stay indoors to avoid winter-related accidents along the road.
Moreover, listening to a battery-powered radio or television for updated emergency information is advisable. More importantly, eat regularly, as food provides the body with energy for producing heat. You should also stay hydrated with water, warm broth, or juices.
Another thing to note is to conserve fuel. Since winter storms can last a few days, electric, gas, and other fuel distribution systems (fuel oil, propane, etc.) may not be readily accessible.
Moreover, electric and gas services may be temporarily disrupted when many demand large amounts simultaneously. You can save it by lowering the thermostat to 65°F during the day and 55°F at night, closing off unused rooms, stuffing towels or rags in cracks under doors, and covering windows at night.
After
After a winter storm, listen to local radio or TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio for updated data and instructions. Then, if you can, help a neighbor who may require special support (e.g., infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities). During recovery, avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.
Furthermore, avoid overexertion. You may be surprised to learn that respiratory failures or heart attacks caused by shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of death during winter. Follow forecasts and be alert when wandering outside. Considerably colder conditions usually follow Big winter storms.
