Winter Weather Terminolgy

Winter Weather Terminolgy

Winter Weather Terminolgy

Ever wonder the difference between a winter storm warning and a watch? How about freezing rain versus sleet? When dangerous winter conditions occur you need to be prepared. In this article I hope to help you understand these terms, in order to help you be ready when bad weather hits.

Let's talk about winter storms first. This type of storm gets its energy from the combination of two air masses of two different moisture and temperature levels. Most of these in North America form when an air mass of dry, cold Canadian air moves south and interacts with a moist, warm air mass moving north from the Gulf of Mexico. Very strong winds over North America blowing from west to east can quickly move a winter storm across the continent. For this reason, these type of storms will rarely last more than one day in an area.

There is an exception to this general rule which occurs downwind of the Great Lakes. Living near Lake Ontario I am very familiar with this type of weather which is called "lake-effect" snow. What happens is that cold, strong winds blow over a large stretch of unfrozen water, causing the air to acquire a large amount of moisture. When this moisture reaches land it produces heavy snow. "Lake-effect" snowstorms can dump huge amounts of snow and last for several days.

Here are some terms used by forecasters dealing woth weather that you should learn to help you be prepared:

Sleet: This is rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, power lines, and trees.

Freezing rain: This is also rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, power lines, and trees.

Freeze/Frost Warning: This simply means that below freezing temperatures are expected.

Winter Storm Watch: This means a winter storm is possible to happen in your area.

Winter Storm Warning: This means a winter storm is currently occurring, or will soon happen in your area.

Blizzard Warning: This type of warning is issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts up to 35 miles-per-hour or greater and continuous blowing or falling snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) is expected to last for a period of three hours or more.

Some of the impacts of this extreme weather include flooding, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines, hypothermia, and even death. Don't forget, you can protect yourself, your home, and your property from the many hazards of winter by planning ahead and being prepared.

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