December 2001
Winter Storms

For More Information

Contact your local National Weather Service (NWS) office,

American Red Cross chapter or local emergency management

agency for more weather-related brochures.

You can find more information on flash flooding in the

Flash Floods and Floods...The Awesome Power brochure.

Contact your local Red Cross chapter or NWS office for copies.

You can download a copy at the NWS Web site below. To find

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

a significant threat.

• Threats, such as hypothermia and frostbite, can lead to loss of fingers 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 flooding can cause hazardous conditions

and hidden problems.

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James Wiesmueller
Heavy Snow

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

the flow 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 at least 3 hours.

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 significant.

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 flooding, ice jams and snow melt, resulting in significant damage

and loss of life.

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

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 flooding.

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

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 fingers, 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 first 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 first 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 flooding

• Extreme cold

• Avalanches

• Ice jams

• Ice fog

The West Coast

• Heavy precipitation

• High winds

• Coastal flooding

• Beach erosion

The Rockies

• Heavy snow

• Mountain-effect snow

• Strong winds

• Avalanches

• Extreme cold

• Blizzards

Winter Storm H

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 flooding

• Beach erosion

• Extreme cold

Midwest and Plains

• Heavy snow

• Strong winds/Blizzards

• Extreme wind chill

• Lake-effect snow

• Ice storms

azards 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 flowing up a

mountain side.

Warm Front Cold Front Lake Effect Mountain Effect
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 officials’ 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 significant

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 Specific 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: fireplace,

wood stove, space heater.

• Use properly to prevent a fire.

• 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 confining 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

subsequent 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 fire for heat and to

attract attention.

• Place rocks around the fire to

absorb and reflect heat.

Melt snow for drinking water:

• Eating snow will lower your

body temperature.

In a Vehicle

Stay in vehicle:

• You will become quickly disoriented

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,

fingers 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 Defibrillator (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 fireplace, wood stove, space

heater, etc., use fire 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 fluids to

prevent dehydration.

• Wear layers of loose-fitting,

lightweight, warm clothing.

Remove layers to avoid overheating,

perspiration and subsequent chill.

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Family Disaster Plan

ARC 4467 December 2001 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 find each other?

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

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 office, emergency management office, 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 fire, 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 fire extinguishers.

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

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

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 duffle 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 fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace stored water

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

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

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• 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