Even areas which normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. The results can range from isolation due to power outages and blocked roads to the havoc of cars trying to maneuver on ice-covered highways. Whatever the case, winter storms usually involve human suffering. You should protect yourself and your family from the many hazards of winter weather - blizzards, heavy snow, freezing rain and sleet. Freezing rain is forecast when expected rain is likely to freeze as soon as it strikes the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
Sleet consists of small particles of ice mixed with rain.
Sleet accumulation causes roads to freeze over or become slippery. A winter storm watch means that severe winter weather is possible. A winter storm warning means that heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain are expected. A blizzard warning means that heavy snow and winds of 35 miles per hour or more are expected. A severe blizzard warning means that very heavy snow is expected with winds over 45 miles per hour and temperatures below 10 degrees.