winter weather & how to prepare steps december 8 th, 2009

Winter Weather & How To Winter Weather & How To PreparePrepare

STEPSSTEPS

December 8December 8thth, 2009, 2009

Does Winter Weather Impact West Does Winter Weather Impact West Texas?Texas?

YesYes Most events ( 1-3” )Most events ( 1-3” ) Extreme Events ( 8-12” )Extreme Events ( 8-12” )


1-3”


The record for snowfall in a single day at The record for snowfall in a single day at Midland Intl. Airport was 9.8”Midland Intl. Airport was 9.8”

December 11December 11thth, 1998, 1998 22ndnd was 6.0” was 6.0” November 28November 28thth, 2001, 2001

Winter WeatherWinter Weather

Watch, Warning & AdvisoryWatch, Warning & Advisory Much like Spring Severe Weather Events Much like Spring Severe Weather Events

(example: Tornado Warning, Tornado (example: Tornado Warning, Tornado Watch)Watch)

Winter Storm WatchWinter Storm Watch

Conditions are favorable for significant snow Conditions are favorable for significant snow and ice accumulation over the forecast area and ice accumulation over the forecast area over the next 48 Hours. over the next 48 Hours.

Winter Weather AdvisoryWinter Weather Advisory

Winter Weather is expected to cause travel Winter Weather is expected to cause travel problems and danger to motoristsproblems and danger to motorists

Winter Storm WarningWinter Storm Warning

Winter Storm (Significant Snow or Ice Winter Storm (Significant Snow or Ice Accumulations) are occurring or very Accumulations) are occurring or very imminent.imminent.

Freezing Rain AdvisoryFreezing Rain Advisory

Freezing Rain will fall, causing roads to Freezing Rain will fall, causing roads to become slick and hazardous.become slick and hazardous.

Freezing Fog AdvisoryFreezing Fog Advisory

Fog will form in a sub-freezing environment, Fog will form in a sub-freezing environment, causing roads to become slick and causing roads to become slick and hazardous.hazardous.

Snow AdvisorySnow Advisory

Several Inches of snow are expected to fall Several Inches of snow are expected to fall in the next 24 Hours.in the next 24 Hours.

Wind Chill AdvisoryWind Chill Advisory

Cold Temperatures and Strong Winds will Cold Temperatures and Strong Winds will combine to produce extremely cold combine to produce extremely cold temperatures.temperatures.

Exposing yourself to a wind chill of less than Exposing yourself to a wind chill of less than 20 degrees for an extended period of time 20 degrees for an extended period of time can cause your body to shut down.can cause your body to shut down.

Ice Storm WarningIce Storm Warning

Heavy accumulation of ice will cause travel Heavy accumulation of ice will cause travel problems and major damage to trees and problems and major damage to trees and power lines.power lines.

Blizzard WarningBlizzard Warning

Heavy Snow or Blowing Snow with winds in Heavy Snow or Blowing Snow with winds in excess of 35mph and visibility less than ¼ excess of 35mph and visibility less than ¼ mile is occurring or is expected shortly.mile is occurring or is expected shortly.

Safety At Home/OfficeSafety At Home/Office

Have a heat source that doesn’t require Have a heat source that doesn’t require electricity or cause a build up of hazardous electricity or cause a build up of hazardous fumes.fumes.

Keep faucets dripping to prevent frozen Keep faucets dripping to prevent frozen pipespipes

Have battery operated TV and FlashlightsHave battery operated TV and Flashlights

Safety At Home/OfficeSafety At Home/Office

Have a supply of food that doesn’t require Have a supply of food that doesn’t require electricity to cookelectricity to cook

Keep layers of clothing and blankets close Keep layers of clothing and blankets close by.by.

Make sure Pets are protected.Make sure Pets are protected.

Safety In The FieldSafety In The Field

Do Not travel if warnings or advisories are Do Not travel if warnings or advisories are issued.issued.

If you must travel, make sure someone If you must travel, make sure someone knows your planned route and ETA.knows your planned route and ETA.

Keep a radio and cell phone with you.Keep a radio and cell phone with you. Have a traction substance such as kitty litter Have a traction substance such as kitty litter

or car chains with you.or car chains with you.


Drive Slowly and with extreme cautionDrive Slowly and with extreme caution Use the 9-3 position on the wheelUse the 9-3 position on the wheel Keep some ready to eat food and plenty of Keep some ready to eat food and plenty of

water with you.water with you. Keep gas tank at least ½ fullKeep gas tank at least ½ full


If you become stranded…If you become stranded…


If you become stranded…If you become stranded… DO NOT leave your carDO NOT leave your car Display a trouble sign (distress signal)Display a trouble sign (distress signal) Occasionally run the engine to keep warmOccasionally run the engine to keep warm Keep yourself well covered and stretch Keep yourself well covered and stretch

occasionallyoccasionally

winter weather & how to prepare steps december 8 th, 2009

Documents

stranded slide

tornado watch slide

winter weather watch

snow advisory

warning advisory

winter storm watch conditions

heavy snow

freezing fog advisory