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Winter Weather Awareness and Safety

Winter Weather Awareness and Safety. Central Alabama Snowfall Event March 1 st 2009. Winter 2012-2013. NOAA. Winter 2012-2013. NOAA. How Winter Storms are Formed. There are many ways for winter storms to form; however, all have three key components.

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Winter Weather Awareness and Safety

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  1. Winter Weather Awareness and Safety Central Alabama Snowfall Event March 1st 2009

  2. Winter 2012-2013 NOAA

  3. Winter 2012-2013 NOAA

  4. How Winter Storms are Formed • There are many ways for winter storms to form; however, all have three key components. • COLD AIR: For snow and ice to form, the temperature must be below freezing in the clouds and near the ground. • MOISTURE: Water evaporating from bodies of water, such as a large lake or the ocean, is an excellent source of moisture. • LIFT: Lift causes moisture to rise and form clouds and precipitation. An example of lift is warm air colliding with cold air and being forced to rise. Another example of lift is air flowing up a mountain side.

  5. Winter Storm Producers Warm Front Cold Front Lake Effect Mountain Effect

  6. Major Winter Weather Threats in the Southeast • Ice Storms • Occasional Snow • Cold Stress • Crop Killing Freezes

  7. Ice Storms • Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees and topple utility poles and communication towers. • Ice can disrupt communications and power for days while utility companies repair extensive damage. • Even small accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorists and pedestrians. • Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces.

  8. Winter Precipitation Rain Freezing Rain Sleet Snow Frozen precipitation melts in warm air… …rain falls and freezes on cold surfaces as a sheet of ice. Frozen precipitation melts… …refreezes into sleet before hitting ground. Snow falling into cold air never melts. Frozen precipitation melts into rain.

  9. Historical Ice Storms • Ice storms can cause billions of dollars worth of damage. • 1993- “Storm of the Century” costs estimated at $7.0B and 270 deaths. • 1994- Southeastern Ice Storm costs estimated at $3.7B and 9 deaths. • 1998- NE Ice Storm costs estimated at $1.5B and 16 deaths.

  10. Alabama Snowfall

  11. Alabama Snowfall

  12. Cold Stress ~Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. ~Infants and elderly people are most susceptible. ~What constitutes extreme cold varies in different parts of the country. In the South, near freezing temperatures are considered extreme cold!!! ~Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to crops and other vegetation. ~Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat.

  13. Cold Stress • Crop Damage

  14. Cold Stress

  15. Cold Stress • Frostbite and hypothermia can become life threatening! Prevention is KEY! Cover all exposed skin.

  16. Alabama Statistics

  17. Alabama Statistics

  18. Winter Weather Terminology • Winter Storm Warning: Issued when a combination of significant accumulations of snow, freezing rain, or sleet is expected. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued within 24 hours before the event is expected. • Winter Storm Watch: Alerts the public to the potential for winter storm conditions within the next 12 to 36 hours. • Winter Weather Advisory: Issued when accumulations of snow, freezing rain/drizzle, or sleet are expected to cause hazardous driving conditions. • Wind Chill Advisory: Issued when the wind chill temperatures are expected to range from zero to ten below zero. • Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be colder than ten below zero.

  19. Winter Weather Terminology • Snow Flurries: Snow falling for short durations with very little or no accumulation. • Snow Showers: Snow falling at varying intensities for a brief time. Some accumulation is possible. • Significant (heavy) Snow: In Alabama, snow accumulations greater than 2 inches in 12 hours. • Sleet: Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists and pedestrians. • Freezing Rain: Rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice.

  20. Safety Tips In General... Keep ahead of a winter weather by listening to the latest weather warnings and bulletins on NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television. Be alert to changing conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. For your home…Plan ahead! • Check battery powered equipment, and stock extra batteries for flashlights and a portable television or radio. Also, check emergency cooking facilities. • Check your food and stock an extra supply. Your supplies should include food that requires no cooking or refrigeration in case of power failures. Consider high energy foods such as dried fruit or candy. Don’t forget prescription medicines, first aid supplies, and other specialty items.

  21. Safety Tips …continued • Check your supply of heating fuel, but prevent fire hazards due to overheated coal or oil-burning stoves, fireplaces, heaters, or furnaces. • Stay indoors during storms and cold snaps. Elderly persons, children, and those in bad health may be especially susceptible to cold weather. Avoid overexertion, especially if shoveling snow. • Dress to fit the season. Loose, layered clothing will keep your warm, and a hat and mittens will protect your extremities. • Winterize your home by caulking around openings, installing storm windows, and adding insulation. • Don’t forget your pets or livestock. Move animals to sheltered areas. For pets, bring them indoors or provide some form of heat. Provide fresh water since many pets die from dehydration in winter storms.

  22. Safety Tips In your vehicle...be prepared! • Get your car winterized before the storm season begins. Maintain a checklist of the preparation required. • Carry a winter storm car kit, especially if you plan cross country travel or anticipate travel in northern states. Items to consider include a mobile phone and charger, blankets or sleeping bags, flashlights and batteries, first aid kit, non-perishable foods, extra clothing, window scraper, water, road maps, small shovel, and kitty litter or sand for traction. • If the storm exceeds or even tests your driving limitations, seek available shelter immediately. Plan your travel and select primary and alternate routes. Check the latest weather information before departing, and drive carefully and defensively. Avoid traveling alone, and be sure someone knows your travel plans and route of travel.

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