Stay safe this winter

Meteorological winter (the beginning of December) is almost here, but we’ve already seen some winter weather this year.

Every year, the National Weather Service releases some tips and information on staying safe during the winter. According to the weather service, winter weather hazards include snow and sleet, blizzards, freezing rain, snow squalls, cold temperatures, strong winds, flooding and fog.

During a winter storm warning, snow, sleet or ice are expected, and people should take action. During a winter storm warning, confidence is high that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.

In a winter storm watch, snow, sleet or ice are possible, and people should be prepared to take action. Confidence here is medium that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.

When a winter weather advisory is issued, wintry weather is expected, and people should exercise caution. Light amounts of wintry precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions and could impact travel if precautions are not taken.

To prep for winter, the weather service says to check the forecast to get the latest weather, plan based on expected weather conditions, have a winter survival kit in the car if travel is needed and dress appropriately when outside.

In a car, a winter survival kit should have warm clothes, blanket, food, water, cell phone and charger. For one’s home, a winter survival kit should have food, water, medication, flash light and a first aid kit.

With snow and sleet, the primary danger is with travel, but snow and sleet can also impact and damage infrastructure. Damage from winter storms exceeds $1 billion annually, the weather service said. When there is danger of snow and sleet, the weather service will issue a winter storm warning or winter weather advisory.

Blizzards occur when strong winds cause blowing snow and whiteout conditions. The weather service says not to travel during a blizzard warning, especially in open country. The weather service will issue a blizzard warning when needed.

Freezing rain can impact travel and can knock out power. The weather service says to have an emergency kit in case the power goes out, and the weather service will issue an ice storm warning or winter weather advisory when freezing rain is forecasted.

Snow squalls produce sudden white-out conditions, falling temperatures and icy roads. The weather service says these events are short-lived (30 to 60 minutes) and are extremely intense. When forecast, the weather service will issue a snow squall warning.

Cold weather can cause frostbite or hypothermia. When temperatures are cold, the weather service recommends dressing in layers, covering exposed skin and limiting time outside. During times of severe cold weather, the weather service will issue a wind chill warning, which is when dangerous cold is expected, a wind chill watch, which is when dangerous cold is possible, or a wind chill advisory, which is when cold weather is expected.

When a wind chill warning is issued, confidence is high that very cold air and strong wind could lead to frostbite or hypothermia in a matter of minutes. For a wind chill watch, there is medium confidence that there will be very cold air and strong wind. The weather service says to check the forecast and make sure loved ones are prepared if dangerous cold weather does occur. When a wind chill advisory is issued, the weather service says cold and breezy conditions could cause frostbite or hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.

With powerful winter storms comes strong wind. These winds make travel difficult, especially for large vehicles. The weather service says to seek shelter in a sturdy structure during strong winds.

When driving when windy, the weather service says to slow down and keep two hands on the wheel. Drivers, too, should distance themselves from trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers as well as keep an eye out for debris, downed power lines and tree branches.