What Are Winter Storms, and What Causes Them?

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What Are Winter Storms, and What Causes Them? A winter storm can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow that lasts several days. Some winter storms may be large enough to affect several states, while others may affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by low temperatures and heavy and/or blowing snow, which can severely reduce visibility. Winter storms can be defined differently in various parts of the country. Heavy snow in the south can be a dusting in the mountains. Check with your local emergency management office, National Weather Service (NWS) office, or local American Red Cross for terms and definitions specific to your area. Some weather terms and definitions: • Winter Storm Watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area within 12-48 hours. • Winter Storm Warning indicates severe winter weather is in the area or expected immediately and can be life threatening. • Ice Storm Warning is issued for ice accumulations of ¼ inch or more. • Snow fall terms: A flurry is light snow with no accumulation. Showers are light snow falling for brief periods of time. Squall is brief intense snow fall accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Blowing snow is wind driven snow that reduces visibility and causes drifts. Blizzard has winds of at least 35mph and causes snow to fall vertically. • Sleet is raindrops 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. • Freezing rain is 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 glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard. • An ice storm occurs when freezing rain falls and freezes immediately on impact; communications and power can be disrupted for days, and even small accumulations of ice may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians. • Wind Chill describes the rate of body heat loss resulting from the combination of low temperatures and wind. .

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