Winter weather is characterized by extreme cold, ice storms, and heavy snow or blizzards.
Icy roads and treacherous conditions contribute to car accident deaths and injuries. Extreme and prolonged exposure to cold causes injuries and death to persons stranded outside during a storm. Hypothermia and frostbite result from exposure to extreme cold. When heavy tree limbs fall on power lines, power outages can occur and disrupt heating systems. Unsafe alternate heat sources can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, fires and deaths.