Oct. 31 is Halloween. I realize that not everyone recognizes it as a holiday, but you do need to be aware that there will be youngsters and oldsters out walking the streets tonight looking for tricks or treats.
If you are driving, stay alert for pedestrians. Children will get excited if they think someone is giving away full-size candy bars, and they may forget to look both ways when crossing the street.
I will now continue with the discussion from last week and focus on watches and warnings.
Watches
- Timing: Two to three days before the event
- Increasing confidence that dangerous winter weather which could threaten life and property, will occur
- You should start taking necessary precautions in case the event happens
- Types of watches are winter storm and extreme cold
Winter storm watch
Alerts the public to the possibility of severe winter conditions. Watches are typically issued anywhere from 12 to 48 hours in advance of a winter storm. However, in some circumstances, watches may be issued longer than 48 hours in advance.
On the road: Consider changing your travel plans. If you must drive, carry a winter survival kit in your car and be prepared for delays.
At home: Make sure you have the proper snow-removal equipment to clear your sidewalks and driveways. If an exceptionally high amount of snow is forecast, be prepared to remain at home for a day or two.
Extreme cold watch
Be prepared. An extreme cold watch is issued when extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chill values are possible, but the occurrence, location, and/or timing are still uncertain. As with a warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas and update your winter survival kit.
Warnings
- Timing: Within 24 to 48 hours of the event
- High confidence of a winter weather event which could threaten life and property this is the most serious of alerts
- You should continue and finish preparing for the storm as well as monitor for updated warning statements
- Types of warnings are winter storm, blizzard, ice storm, extreme cold and snow squall
Winter storm warning
When any of the following criteria is expected to occur:
- Snow: More than 6 inches
- Sleet: 1/2 inch or more
On the road: Seriously consider postponing any non-essential driving. If you must drive, carry a winter survival kit in your car and be prepared for delays.
At home: Make sure you have the proper snow-removing equipment to clear your sidewalks and driveways. If an exceptionally high amount of snow is forecast, be prepared to remain at home for a day or two.
Blizzard warning
Sustained wind or frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph will accompany falling and/or blowing snow to frequently reduce visibility to less than or equal to 1/4 mile for three or more hours. On the road: Refrain from driving except in emergency situations, especially in open country. Always carry a winter survival kit in your car if you must drive. High winds and white-out conditions will make driving extremely dangerous.
At home: Be prepared to remain at home for a few days, especially if you live in a rural area. Snow drifts may be higher than 10 feet, so make sure you have the proper snow removal equipment.
Ice storm warning
- Significant ice accumulations greater than 1/4 inch
On the road: Refrain from driving except in emergency situations. Roads will likely be treacherous and maintaining control of your car will be very difficult.
At home: Be prepared for possible long-duration power outages and refrain from walking on ice-covered surfaces outside.
Extreme cold warning
- Apparent temperature values are expected to be less than -35F for all areas, except Dakota and Dixon counties in Nebraska and Woodbury and Ida counties in Iowa, where values are expected to be less than -25F
On the road: Pack extra clothes and blankets in addition to your winter survival kit in your car in case you get stranded.
At home: Seriously consider postponing any outdoor plans. Wear well-insulated clothing if you must go outdoors. Frostbite could take place in as little as 10 minutes.
Snow squall warning
- Intense, but limited duration, periods of moderate to heavy snowfall, accompanied by gusty surface winds resulting in reduced visibilities and whiteout conditions.
On the road: Be prepared to encounter these dangerous travel conditions and delay or adjust travel plans as possible. Always carry a winter survival kit in your car if you must drive. High winds and white-out conditions will make driving extremely dangerous.
At home: Remain at home until the short-duration heavy snow band has ended and travel conditions have improved. The goal of my article is to make sure that everyone stays safe this winter. Some people may think that it is too early to be discussing this topic but from my past experiences I prefer to start early.
Stay safe during winter weather
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows and never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven. Using an oven or stovetop can also increase the risk of fires, burns and could damage the appliance.
- Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
- Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.
Stay tuned, more information will be shared in the future, and remember to always keep an eye on the sky when outdoors.
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