WASHINGTON — The WUSA9 Weather Watch Team is forecasting a snowier than normal winter this season, and the National Weather Service - in partnership with Maryland's Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) - wants you to be prepared.
The winter season can bring a lot of different hazards along with it. Here is a reminder of the different types of advisories, watches and warnings that may be issued:
Advisories:
These are low-level warnings issued when weather conditions are not expected to cause immediate threat to life and property. These alerts are issued when weather conditions will impact motorists, outdoor activities or public events.
- Winter Weather Advisories - Issued for accumulating snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle or sleet that will cause inconveniences and impacts. If caution is not exercised during advisories, life and property may be threatened. Winter Weather Advisories are issued for accumulating snow up to 5 inches and/or any accumulation of ice.
- Wind Chill Advisories - When wind chill temperatures create a threat to life with prolonged exposure. If caution isn't exercised, hypothermia and frostbite may occur. Wind Chill Advisories are issued for wind chill values less than 0 degree but not colder than -14 degrees.
- Freezing Fog Advisories - Issued when dense fog and sub-freezing roads are expected to combine to cause icy roads and dangerous travel.
Watches:
This means you should "watch" for significant weather to occur. They mark a potential threat and are often issued when hazardous winter weather is a possibility, not a certainty.
- Winter Storm Watches - When heavy snow, damaging ice accumulations or blizzard conditions are possible. They are typically issued 24 to 72 hours before a winter storm begins. Watches are issued when there is the potential for at least 5 inches of snow or 1/4 of ice.
- Wind Chill Watch - When there is the potential for dangerously cold wind chills, typically in the next 12 to 48 hours.
Warnings:
These are issued when a threat to life and property from winter weather is imminent or is already occurring. When warnings are issued it is time to take action.
- Winter Storm Warning - When life threatening heavy snow, sleet or mixed precipitation is imminent or occurring. Winter storm warnings are typically issued 12 to 36 hours before an event is expected to start.
- Ice Storm Warning - When ice accumulations of 1/4" + are expected within 12 to 36 hours. Widespread tree damage and power outages are likely.
- Blizzard Warning - The expectation of 35 mph + wind gusts and heavy falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to a 1/4 mile or less and lasts for 3 hours.
- Snow Squall Warning - When a targeted area, where the weather is otherwise fair, experiences a short-duration, intense burst of snow and wind creates whiteout visibility. This can create rapidly deteriorating conditions for driers and possible flash freezing on roads.
- Wind Chill Warning - When the combination of extreme cold and winds are expected to occur. The combination can result in frostbite, hypothermia or even death when exposed to these conditions for an extended period of time.
Prepare your home
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Get your chimney inspected
- Don't place space heaters close to flammable objects
- Don't place objects or decorations on radiator heaters
Driving in winter weather
- Make sure your battery, antifreeze, windshield wipers, ignition and thermostat are all in good condition
- Check tire tread and replace tires if necessary
- If you have to travel during dangerous winter conditions, let someone know your destination and when you plan to arrive
- Clean snow and ice off all parts of your car before driving
- Keep your gas tank full when snow and ice are expected
- Keep the following items in your car: windshield scraper, brush, jump cables, a tow chain or rope, bag of sand or salt, blankets, flashlight and first ad kit
- Slow your speed when dangerous conditions are present
- Steer your car into the skid - never hit your breaks if your car begins to slide and turn your wheel in the direction you are skidding