A winter weather advisory is used when poor weather conditions are expected. A winter storm watch is issued when a storm is possible. A winter storm warning is issued when a storm is occurring or will occur shortly. A frost/freeze warning is issued when below freezing temperatures are expected. A blizzard warning is issued when heavy snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and severe wind chill are expected.
If a winter storm watch is issued –
• Regularly check for any pipe leaking once the freeze starts melting.
• Ensure that auxiliary sources of electricity are in working order (e.g., generators).
Additional Information
Severe Winter Storm
The term winter storm covers a variety of weather events. Winter storms often involve heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain. If very heavy snow is accompanied by high winds and extreme cold, the storm is termed a blizzard. A Nor’easter is a specific type of storm characteristic of the eastern U.S. coast, in which a low-pressure system gathers strength as it moves up the mid-Atlantic coast, bringing heavy snow and hurricane force winds, along with coastal flooding and beach erosion. Nor’easters usually occur between October and April (although they can occur at any time and sometimes involve rain rather than snow). When rain falls on surfaces with a temperature below freezing, an ice storm can occur.
A winter weather advisory is used when poor weather conditions are expected. A winter storm watch is issued when a storm is possible. A winter storm warning is issued when a storm is occurring or will occur shortly. A frost/freeze warning is issued when below freezing temperatures are expected. A blizzard warning is issued when heavy snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and severe wind chill are expected.
Preventive actions to reduce the risk of severe winter storm damage –
• Install storm windows in your building (or cover windows with plastic), insulate walls and attics, and caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Winterize your building. Make sure gutters are clear, repair any roof leaks, and trim any tree branches that could fall on your building during a storm.
• Insulate pipes in your building and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Learn how to shut off the water in the building (in case a pipe bursts).
• Ensure that the roof of your building is able to sustain the weight of heavy snow accumulation.
• Put together a disaster kit in case staff members must remain in the building during the storm (drinking water, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, first aid kit, battery-powered radio with weather band and alert, flashlights and extra batteries, blankets/cots/pillows). Check all items every six months and replace any expired items (e.g., water, food, batteries).