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. What to do before winter storm conditions 1. 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 warning means that heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain are expected. A winter storm watch means that severe winter weather is possible. 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.