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Summer has ended, and fall is here. The National Weather Service and the
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency would like to bring another
weather threat to the forefront and heighten everyone's awareness of
this significant weather threat -- Winter Weather.

Hazardous weather can strike sometimes with little notice. Tornadoes
strike with unwanted regularity. Severe thunderstorms with downburst
winds and large hail occur even more frequently. Floods and flash floods
can wash people and property.

Temperatures last winter (2004-2005) were above normal by about 2-3
degrees, and precipitation was above normal by 1-2 inches. Normal winter
precipitation is 12.20 inches. Normal snowfall in Nashville is 9.1
inches, but last winter there was a measly trace of snow at

Nashville International Airport.

However, on the evening of December 22 and early morning hours of
December 23, a mixture of snow, sleet and ice made traveling hazardous.
Nashville Electric reported as many as 22,000 customers without power.
About one half inch of ice was common across the northwest part of
Middle Tennessee.

Because of heavy snow and ice, people in their homes or automobiles can
become isolated, and not be able to perform their normal activities.
People are inconvenienced, injured or may even die.

Even without snow or ice, intense cold can injure or kill a person
realizes the seriousness of the situation.

Fatalities from hypothermia have occurred from prolonged exposure in air
temperatures of 40-50 degrees. Frostbite is another risk many people
face during the winter months as they venture outside.

The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning occurs with those who use a
kerosene heater. It is important that they remember to leave a small
opening to the window to vent out the carbon monoxide gas.

Persons with certain chronic health conditions and those over 65 are
more at risk for hypothermia, even within the home.

One hazard that is not often associated with winter is flooding. Floods
occur when too much rain or melted snow fills river or creek channels
too quickly. Along Tennessee's rivers and streams, flooding is a natural
part of life and most common during winter and early spring. Frozen
ground, sparse vegetation, and less evaporation are all factors that
allow water to reach the river channels quickly during the cold months.

Remember, floods and flash floods are the number one weather killer in
the United States.

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Nashville and the
Tennessee Emergency Manageement Agency will highlight November 15, 16,
17th as Winter Weather Awareness Week, in order to bring these hazardous
to the attention of the public. We will be sending information through
our communications network including the National Weather Service's NOAA
Weather Radio-All Hazards during this period.

We would like our customers to be familiar with our winter weather terms
and criteria. Review our winter weather safety tips and be prepared!

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