Winter Storm Facts:
Winter Storms are Weather events where there are different types of precipitation generally related to temperature.
Snowstorm:
Where heavy snowfall can produce large amounts of snow accumulations in a very short period of time, thus making driving conditions very difficult for both maneuvering and visibility. Many Schools and Public Offices close with an advance news warning of such snowstorm events.
There are different categories used to name the types of Snowstorm(s), when high winds are present in a Snowstorm, this condition is called a "Blizzard" where the wind can cause Snow drifts that amount to several feet deep. Almost everything closes down for this type of snowstorm, School closings are reported by news stations and are generally first on the list, followed by Public offices, then Commercial Businesses.
Freezing Rain:
Freezing Rain is caused by warmer temperatures in the upper atmosphere creating a rain storm, but the temperatures closer to the ground are in the freezing range, thus causing the falling rain to instantly turn to ice when coming in contact with the lower ground temperatures. These types of storms are by far one of the most dangerous Storms to humans and animals!
Large scale power outages caused by the heavy weight of the Ice tends to break the power lines, tree limbs and makes driving conditions very dangerous. Again with these types of storms, many School closings will be seen.
Snow Advisory:
Snow Advisories are issued when low pressure systems produce snow that can cause a disruption to the norm. The Snow Advisories are crafted by the National Weather Service for different areas of the country and how the people of a particular area may handle the Snow. In the deep south, a Snow Advisory could be issued for snowfall in the amount of an inch, while Maine is expected to get less than 4 inches of snow, a Snow Advisory might not be issued.
FEMA Winter Facts:
Know your winter storm and extreme cold terms
Before winter storms and extreme cold
What to do during a winter storm
What to do after a winter storm
