June 2008
Winter Storms

For More Information 

Contact your local National Weather Service (NWS) offi ce, 

American Red Cross chapter or local emergency management 

agency for more weather-related brochures. 

You can fi nd more information on fl ash fl ooding in the Floods...

The Awesome Power brochure. Contact your local Red Cross 

chapter or NWS offi ce for copies. You can download a copy at 

this NWS Web site http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/water/ahps/

pdfs/Floodsbrochure_02_06.pdf. To fi nd additional materials on 

winter safety, try the following Web sites: 

 NWS: www.nws.noaa.gov

 FEMA: www.fema.gov

 Red Cross: www.redcross.org

The Deceptive Killers

This preparedness guide explains the dangers of winter weather and suggests life-saving action YOU

can take. With this information, YOU can recognize winter weather threats, develop an action plan and 

be ready when severe winter weather threatens. Remember...your safety is up to YOU.

Why Talk About Winter Weather?

• Each year, dozens of Americans die due to exposure to cold. Add to that number, vehicle accidents 

and fatalities, fi res due to dangerous use of heaters and other winter weather fatalities and you have 

a signifi cant threat.

• Threats, such as hypothermia and frostbite, can lead to loss of fi ngers and toes or cause permanent 

kidney, pancreas and liver injury and even death. You must prepare properly to avoid these extreme 

dangers. You also need to know what to do if you see symtoms of these threats.

• A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or 

sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. 

• People can become trapped at home or in a car, without utilities or other assistance. 

• Attempting to walk for help in a winter storm can be a deadly decision. 

• The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or region for days, weeks 

or even months. 

• Extremely cold temperatures, heavy snow and coastal fl ooding can cause hazardous conditions 

and hidden problems.

2

James Wiesmueller
Heavy snow can immobilize a region and paralyze a city, stranding commuters, closing airports, stopping 

Heavy Snow

the fl ow of supplies, and disrupting emergency and medical services. Accumulations of snow can cause roofs 

to collapse and knock down trees and power lines. Homes and farms may be isolated for days and unprotected 

livestock may be lost. In the mountains, heavy snow can lead to avalanches. The cost of snow removal, 

repairing damages, and the loss of business can have severe economic impacts on cities and towns.

An avalanche is a mass of tumbling snow. More than 80 percent 

of midwinter avalanches are triggered by a rapid accumulation of 

snow, and 90 percent of those occur within 24 hours of snowfall. 

An avalanche may reach a mass of a million tons and travel at 

speeds up to 200 mph.

Injuries Due To Ice and Snow

• About 70% result from vehicle accidents

• About 25% occur in people caught out in a storm 

• Most happen to males over 40 years old

 BLIZZARD: Winds of 35 mph or more with snow and 

blowing snow reducing visibility to less than 

1⁄4 mile for 3 hours or more. 

 BLOWING SNOW: Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility. 

Blowing snow may be falling snow and/or 

snow on the ground picked up by the wind.

 SNOW SQUALLS: Brief, intense snow showers accompanied 

by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may 

be signifi cant.

SNOW SHOWERS: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods 

of time. Some accumulation is possible.

SNOW FLURRIES: Light snow falling for short durations with little 

or no accumulation.

Before and after photo at Mt. Baker, WA,

Ski Summit. Early June snow depth in 1999 

measured 228 inches. The world record 

seasonal snowfall of 1,141 inches was 

recorded at Mt. Baker that year. 

Photos courtesy of Mt. Baker Ski Area.

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NWS
 Rain Freezing Rain Sleet Snow

Frozen precipitation

melts into rain

Frozen precipitation

melts in warm air...

...rain falls and freezes on 

cold surfaces as a sheet of ice

Frozen precipitation

melts...

...refreezes into sleet 

before hitting ground

Snow falling into 

cold air never melts

Ice

Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees and topple utility poles and communication towers. 

Ice can disrupt communications and power for days while utility companies repair extensive damage. 

Even small accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorists and pedestrians. Bridges 

and overpasses are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces. 

Winter Flooding

Winter storms can generate coastal fl ooding, ice jams and snow melt, resulting in signifi cant damage 

and loss of life.

 COASTAL FLOODS: Winds generated from intense winter storms can cause widespread tidal fl ooding 

and severe beach erosion along coastal areas. 

 ICE JAMS: Long cold spells can cause rivers and lakes to freeze. A rise in the water level or 

a thaw breaks the ice into large chunks which become jammed at man made and 

natural obstructions. Ice jams can act as a dam, resulting in severe fl ooding.

 SNOW MELT: Sudden thaw of a heavy snow pack often leads to fl ooding.

Ship survey of ice in shipping channels/NOAA

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Large wave action in Marquette Harbor, MI/Jack Pellet
Wind Chill is not the actual temperature but rather how wind and cold feel on exposed skin. As the wind 

increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. 

Animals are also affected by wind chill; however, cars, plants and other objects are not.

Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by 

extreme cold. A wind chill of -20° Fahrenheit (F) will 

cause frostbite in just 30 minutes. Frostbite causes 

a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in 

extremities, such as fi ngers, toes, ear lobes or the tip 

of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical 

help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly 

rewarm affected areas. However, if the person is also 

showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core 

before the extremities.

Hypothermia is a condition brought on when 

the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. It 

can kill. For those who survive, there are likely to be 

lasting kidney, liver and pancreas problems. Warning 

signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory 

loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, 

drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Take the 

person’s temperature. If below 95°F, seek medical 

care immediately! 

If Medical Care is Not Available,

warm the person slowly, starting with the body core. 

Warming the arms and legs fi rst drives cold blood 

toward the heart and can lead to heart failure. If 

necessary, use your body heat to help. Get the person 

into dry clothing and wrap in a warm blanket covering 

the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, 

drugs, coffee or any hot beverage or food. Warm broth 

is the fi rst food to offer.

Exposure to cold can cause 

frostbite or hypothermia and 

become life-threatening. Infants 

and elderly people are most 

susceptible. What constitutes 

extreme cold varies in different

parts of the country. In 

the South, near freezing 

temperatures are considered 

extreme cold. Freezing 

temperatures can cause 

severe damage to citrus fruit 

crops and other vegetation. 

Pipes may freeze and burst in 

homes that are poorly insulated 

or without heat. In the North, 

extreme cold means 

temperatures well below zero.

Cold

Injuries Related to Cold

• 50% happen to people over 60 years old 

• More than 75% happen to males

• About 20% occur in the home 

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NOAA

Wind Chill Chart

Hypothermia occurs 

when the extremities 

are excessively 

cold (blue)

Improperly warming the 

body will drive cold blood 

from the extremities to the 

heart, leading to heart 

failure
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Alaska

• Heavy snow

• Strong winds/Blizzards

• Coastal fl ooding

• Extreme cold

• Avalanches

• Ice jams

• Ice fog

The West Coast

• Heavy precipitation

• High winds

• Coastal fl ooding

• Beach erosion

The Rockies

• Heavy snow

• Mountain-effect snow

• Strong winds

• Avalanches

• Extreme cold

• Blizzards

Winter Storm Ha

Inches
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Southeast and

Gulf Coast

• Ice storms

• Crop-killing freezes

• Occasional snow

Mid-Atlantic

to New England

• Heavy snow

• Ice storms

• Strong winds

• Coastal fl ooding

• Beach erosion

• Extreme cold

Midwest and Plains

• Heavy snow

• Strong winds/Blizzards

• Extreme wind chill

• Lake-effect snow

• Ice storms

zards in the U.S.

Annual Mean Snowfall
How Winter Storms Form

There are many ways for winter storms to form; however, all have three key components. 

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 COLD AIR: For snow and ice to form, the temperature must be below freezing 

in the clouds and near the ground. 

 MOISTURE: Water evaporating from bodies of water, such as a large lake or 

the ocean, is an excellent source of moisture.

 LIFT: Lift causes moisture to rise and form clouds and precipitation. An 

example of lift is warm air colliding with cold air and being forced 

to rise. Another example of lift is air fl owing up a mountain side. 

Warm Front Cold Front Lake Effect Mountain Effect

Warm 

Air

Cold Air

Warm 

 Air

Cold Air

Warmer 

Air

Cold Land

Arctic 

Air

Heat & Moisture
KEEP AHEAD 

OF THE STORM 

by listening to 

NOAA Weather Radio, 

commercial radio 

and television for the 

latest winter storm 

warnings, watches 

and advisories

The National Weather Service issues outlooks, watches, warnings and advisories for all winter weather 

hazards. Here’s what they mean and what to do. Use the information below to make an informed decision 

on your risk and what actions should be taken. Remember to listen to your local offi cials’ recommendations 

and to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest winter storm information.

 OUTLOOK: Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2-5 days. 

Stay tuned to local media for updates. 

 WATCH: Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36-48 

hours. Prepare now!

 WARNING: Life-threatening severe winter conditions have begun or will 

begin within 24 hours. Act now!

 ADVISORY: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause signifi cant 

inconveniences and may be hazardous. If you are cautious, 

these situations should not be life threatening.

Stay Informed!

Electronic equipment available to receive weather information/NOAA

(Weather Radio, Radio, TV, Pager, Cell Phone, Two-Way Radio)

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What to Listen For

NOAA Weather Radio is the best means to receive warnings from the National 

Weather Service. The National Weather Service continuously broadcasts warnings and forecasts 

that can be received by NOAA Weather Radios, which are sold in many stores. The average range is 

40 miles, depending on topography. Purchase a radio that has a battery back-up and a Specifi c Area 

Message Encoder feature, which automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued for your 

county or parish.
At Home and Work

Primary concerns are loss of heat, 

power and telephone service and a

shortage of supplies if storm conditions 

continue for more than a day.

Have available:

Flashlight and extra batteries.

Battery-powered NOAA Weather 

Radio and portable radio to receive 

emergency information. These may 

be your only links to the outside. 

Extra food and water. Have high 

energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts 

and granola bars, and food requiring 

no cooking or refrigeration. 

Extra medicine and baby items.

First-aid supplies. 

Heating fuel. Refuel before you are 

empty. Fuel carriers may not reach 

you for days after a winter storm. 

Emergency heat source: fi replace, 

wood stove, space heater.

• Use properly to prevent a fi re. 

• Ventilate properly.

Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm. 

• Test smoke alarms once a month 

to ensure they work properly. 

Make sure pets have plenty of 

food, water and shelter.

Be Prepared!

Before the Storm Strikes

On the Farm/Pets 

Move animals to sheltered areas.

Shelter belts, properly laid out and 

oriented, are better protection for 

cattle than confi ning shelters, such 

as sheds. 

Haul extra feed to nearby 

feeding areas. 

Have water available. Most animals 

die from dehydration in winter storms. 

Make sure pets have plenty of 

food, water and shelter.

In Vehicles

Plan your travel and check the latest 

weather reports to avoid the storm!

Fully check and winterize your vehicle 

before the winter season begins. 

Carry a WINTER STORM 

SURVIVAL KIT: 

• Mobile phone, charger, batteries

• Blankets/sleeping bags

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• First-aid kit

• Knife

• High-calorie, non-perishable food

• Extra clothing to keep dry

• Large empty can to use as 

emergency toilet. Tissues and 

paper towels for sanitary purposes

• Small can and waterproof matches 

to melt snow for drinking water

• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction

• Shovel

• Windshield scraper and brush

• Tool kit

• Tow rope

• Battery booster cables

• Water container

• Compass and road maps. 

Keep your gas tank near full to 

avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. 

Avoid traveling alone. 

Let someone know your timetable

and primary and alternate routes. 

NOAA

Dress 

for the Season

Wear loose, lightweight, warm 

clothes in layers. Trapped 

air insulates. Remove layers 

to avoid perspiration and 

sub sequent chill. Outer 

garments should be tightly 

woven, water repellent, and 

hooded. Wear a hat. Half 

your body heat loss can be 

from the head. Cover your 

mouth to protect your lungs 

from extreme cold. Mittens, 

snug at the wrist, are better 

than gloves. Try to stay dry.

Glenn Field/NOAA

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When CAUGHT in a Winter Storm

Outside

Find shelter:

• Try to stay dry.

• Cover all exposed body parts. 

No shelter:

• Build a lean-to, windbreak or snow 

cave for protection from the wind. 

• Build a fi re for heat and to 

attract attention. 

• Place rocks around the fi re to 

absorb and refl ect heat. 

Melt snow for drinking water: 

• Eating snow will lower your 

body temperature.

In a Vehicle

Stay in vehicle:

• You will become quickly dis oriented 

in wind-driven snow and cold.

• Run the motor about 10 minutes 

each hour for heat.

• Open the window a little for fresh air to 

avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. 

• Make sure the exhaust pipe is 

not blocked. 

Be visible to rescuers:

• Turn on the dome light at night 

when running the engine. 

• Tie a colored cloth, preferably red, 

to your antenna or door. 

• After snow stops falling, raise the 

hood to indicate you need help.

Exercise: 

• From time to time, move arms, legs, 

fi ngers and toes vigorously to keep 

blood circulating and to keep warm.

AVOID OVEREXERTION, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in 

deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating 

could lead to a chill and hypothermia. Take Red Cross Cardiopulminary Rescue (CPR) and 

Automated External Defi brillator (AED) training so you can respond quickly to an emergency.

Courtesy of American Red Cross Courtesy of American Red Cross NOAA

Inside

Stay inside:

• When using alternate heat from 

a fi replace, wood stove, space 

heater, etc., use fi re safeguards 

and properly ventilate. 

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 for producing 

its own heat. Keep the body 

replenished with fl uids to 

prevent dehydration.

• Wear layers of loose-fi tting, 

lightweight, warm clothing. 

 Remove layers to avoid 

overheating, perspiration and 

subsequent chill. 

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Family Disaster Plan

ARC 4467 June 2008 NOAA/PA 200160

Prepare for hazards that affect your area with a Family Disaster Plan. Where will your family be when 

disaster strikes? They could be anywhere at work, at school or in the car. How will you fi nd each other? 

Will you know if your children are safe? Disasters may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confi ne you 

to your home. What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off?

Steps to Take

Gather information about hazards. Contact your local National Weather Service offi ce, emergency management offi ce, and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you 

should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. Assess your risks and 

identify ways to make your home and property more secure.

Meet with your family to create a plan. Discuss your plan with your family. Pick two places to meet: a spot 

outside your home for an emergency, such as fi re, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you 

can’t return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your “family check-in contact” for everyone to call if 

the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.

Implement your plan. 

1. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone. 

2. Install safety features in your home, such as smoke alarms and fi re extinguishers. 

3. Inspect your home for potential hazards (items that can move, fall, break or catch fi re) and correct them. 

4. Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR, AED and fi rst aid; how to use a fi re 

extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.

5. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number.

6. Keep enough supplies in your home for at least 3 days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Store 

these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffl e bags. Keep important 

documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

• A 3-day supply of water 

(one gallon per person, 

per day) 

• Food that won’t spoil 

• One change of clothing and 

shoes per person

Practice and maintain your plan. Ensure your family knows meeting places, phone numbers and safety rules. 

Conduct drills. Test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once each year. Test 

and recharge your fi re extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace stored water 

and food every 6 months. Contact your local National Weather Service offi ce, American Red Cross 

chapter or emergency management offi ce for a copy of “Your Family Disaster Plan” (L-191/ARC4466).

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III

IV

• Portable radio

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• Extra set of car keys

• Cash and a credit card 

• Special items for infant, elderly 

or disabled family members.

A Disaster Supplies Kit Should Include: 

Local Sponsorship:

• One blanket or sleeping 

bag per person 

• First-aid kit

• Prescription medicines 

• Emergency tools

• Battery-powered NWR