Winter Storms Info

A major winter storm can be lethal. Preparing for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms.

  1. A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, and extremely cold temperatures. People can become stranded on the road or trapped at home, without utilities or other services. The best protection against severe winter weather is to stay inside and to dress warmly by wearing loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.
  2. A serious danger during a winter storm is hypothermia - a condition brought on when the body temperature drops because of prolonged exposure to extreme cold. Hypothermia is not always fatal, but for those who survive there are likely to be lasting kidney, liver, and pancreatic problems.
  3. Heavy snowfall and blizzards can trap motorists in their cars. Attempting to walk for help in a blizzard can be a deadly decision. Disorientation and confusion come very quickly in blowing snow. People trapped in a car during a blizzard do best to stay in the car and wait for help.
  4. Almost the entire United States except Hawaii and the territories are at some risk from winter storms. The level of risk depends on the severity of local winter weather. Winter storms known as "northeasters" cause extensive coastal flooding, erosion, and property loss in the northeastern and middle Atlantic states.

Information compiled from the Federal Emegency Management Agency.

Winter Storm Facts

Defining Winter Storms

A winter storm can range from moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow that last several days. Some winter storms may be large enough to affect several states while others may affect only a single community.

All winter storms are accompanied by low temperatures and blowing snow, which can severely reduce visibility. A severe winter storm is one that drops 4 or more inches of snow during a 12-hour period, or 6 or more inches during a 24-hour span.

An ice storm occurs when freezing rain falls from clouds and freezes immediately on impact. All winter storms make driving and walking extremely hazardous.

The aftermath of a winter storm can impact a community or region for days, weeks, and even months. Storm effects such as extreme cold, flooding, and snow accumulation can cause hazardous conditions and hidden problems for people in the affected area.

Watch vs. Warning

A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area.

A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way.

A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.

Wind Chill

Wind chill is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.

Be Prepared for Winter Storms

  • Be familiar with winter storm warning messages.
    • See Winter Storm Facts Watch VS. Warning
  • Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to generate temporary traction.
  • Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.
  • Winterize your home.
    • Insulate walls and attic.
    • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
    • Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
  • Have safe emergency heating equipment available.
    • Fireplace with ample supply of wood
    • Small, well-vented wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel
    • Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters (See Kerosene Heaters)
  • Install and check smoke detectors.
  • Contact your the Emergency Management Department or American Red Cross for more information on winter storms.
  • Keep pipes from freezing.
    • Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.
    • Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
    • Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
    • Know how to shut off water valves.
  • Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes out.
    • Flashlight and extra batteries
    • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
    • First aid kit
    • One-week supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off)
    • Nonelectric can opener
    • One-week supply of essential prescription medications
    • Extra blankets and sleeping bags
    • Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)
  • Develop an emergency communication plan.
    • In case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
    • Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
  • Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a severe winter storm.
    • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
Indoors vs. Outdoors

If Indoors

  • Stay indoors and dress warmly.
  • Conserve fuel.
    • Lower the thermostat to 65 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. Close off unused rooms.
  • If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags.
    • Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
  • Listen to the radio or television to get the latest storm information.

If Outdoors

  • Dress warmly.
    • Wear loose-fitting, layered, light-weight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they touch each other.
  • Stretch before you go out.
    • If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. Also, take frequent breaks.
  • Cover your mouth.
    • Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.
  • Avoid overexertion.
    • Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Keep dry.
    • Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
  • Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
Kerosene Heaters

Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community. Use only the correct fuel for your unit and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Refuel outdoors only, and only when cool. Keep your kerosene heater at least 3 feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.

Health Concerns

Frostbite and Hypothermia Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite.

Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.

If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.

Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.

Winter Driving

The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.

General Tips

Have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

  • Battery
  • Antifreeze
  • Wipers and windshield washer fluid
  • Ignition system
  • Thermostat
  • Lights
  • Flashing hazard lights
  • Exhaust system
  • Heater
  • Brakes
  • Defroster
  • Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety)

Install good winter tires

Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.

Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.

Plan long trips carefully

Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person.

If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation.

Dress warmly and wear layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.

Carry food and water

Store a supply of high energy "munchies" and several bottles of water.

Contact the Emergency Management Department or American Red Cross for more information on winter driving.

Winter Car Kit

Keep these items in your car:

  • Flashlights with extra batteries
  • First aid kit with pocket knife
  • Necessary medications
  • Several blankets
  • Sleeping bags
  • Extra newspapers for insulation
  • Plastic bags (for sanitation)
  • Matches
  • Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap
  • Rain gear and extra clothes
  • Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels
  • Small shovel
  • Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
  • Booster cables
  • Set of tire chains or traction mats
  • Cards, games, and puzzles
  • Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
  • Canned fruit and nuts
  • Nonelectric can opener
  • Bottled water
If Trapped In Your Car During A Blizzard

Stay in the car.

  • Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.

Display a trouble sign.

  • Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the car hood.

Occasionally run engine to keep warm.

  • Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running.

Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.

Avoid overexertion.

  • Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.
  • Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long.
  • If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
  • For warmth, huddle together.
  • Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.

Winter Storms Trivia

  • The leading cause of death during winter storms is from automobile or other transportation accidents. Exhaustion or heart attacks caused by overexertion are the second most likely cause of winter storm-related deaths.
  • Fire during winter storms presents a great danger because water supplies may freeze and it may be difficult for fire fighting equipment to get to the fire.
  • Ice storms can break power lines, causing widespread blackouts.
  • Elderly people account for the largest percentage of hypothermia victims. Many older Americans literally "freeze to death" in their own homes after being exposed to dangerously cold indoor temperatures, or are asphyxiated because of improper use of fuels such as charcoal briquettes, which produce carbon monoxide.
  • In March 1993, the Blizzard of '93 dumped record amounts of snow on an area that stretched from Alabama to New England. The storm left more than 170 people dead and caused hundreds of thousands of people to be without power for several days. Total damages were estimated at upward of $800 million.