Winter storms are Weather events where there are different types of precipitation generally related to temperature.

Snowstorms:

Where heavy snowfalls 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 warning of such snowstorms, many call it a "Snow Day".

There are different categories used to name the types of Snowstorms, 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 storm, School closings are generally first on the list, followed by Public Entities, 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. This type of storm is by far one of the most dangerous Winter Storms to humans and animals!

Large scale power outages caused by the heavy weight of the Ice breaks the power lines, tree limbs and makes driving conditions very dangerous. Again with this type of storm many School closings will be seen.