AccuWeather.com

Winter Weather Advisories

Winter Storm Watch

If a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather conditions (such as snow greater than 6 inches in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less 1/4 mile) are expected in the next 12 to 36 hours. You should prepare for the worst now:

At Home or Work Make Sure You Have:

-a working flashlight

-battery powered NOAA weather radio, radio, or TV

-extra food, water, medicine, and baby items

-first aid supplies

-heating fuel (propane, kerosene, fuel oil, etc...)

-emergency heating source

-fire extinguishers on each level

-Carbon Monoxide Detector

-smoke detectors on each level and outside each sleeping area

In Cars and Trucks:

-fully check and winterize your vehicle

-keep your gas tank near full

-try not to travel alone

-let a friend or relative know your timetable for travel

Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit which contains:

-blankets/sleeping bags

-flashlight with extra batteries

-knife

-high calorie, non-perishable food

-a small can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water

-sand or cat litter

-shovel

-windshield scraper

-tool kit

-tow rope

-jumper cables

-water container

-compass

-road maps

-flares

-fire extinguishers

On The Farm:

-Move animals to sheltered areas

-Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas

-Have a water supply available (most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration)

Winter Storm Warning

If a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather conditions (such as snow greater than 6 inches in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less 1/4 mile) are expected within the next 12 hours or are already occurring.

If Caught Outside:

-Find a dry shelter. Cover all exposed parts of the body.

If shelter is not available:

-Prepare a lean-to, wind break, or snow-cave for protection from the wind.

-Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.

-Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

If Stranded in a Car or Truck:

-Stay in your car or truck!

-Run the motor about ten minutes each hour. Open the windows a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide

poisoning. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.

-Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine

-Tie a colored cloth to your antenna or door

-Raise the hood after the snow stops falling

-Exercise to keep blood circulating and to keep warm

At Home or in a Building:

-Stay inside!

-If there is no heat, close off unneeded rooms

-Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors

-Cover windows at night

-Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy and heat. Fluids prevent dehydration.

-Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing.