Winter Weather Terminology

Home , Blizzard warning, Blizzard watch, Freeze warning, Ice storm, Ice storm warning, Lake effect snow warning

Winter Preparedness Packet

Winter storms can happen gradually or abruptly during the Michigan winter season. Learn the terms and know what do before, during and after a winter storm emergency or disaster. Winter terms:

 Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

 Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines. Small accumulations of ice can be a significant hazard. An inch or more of ice can paralyze a region for days to a week or more. Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees and topple utility poles and communication towers.

 Winter Weather Advisory: Weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. Caution should be used if traveling. This generally indicates in the Lower Peninsula: 4 to 5 inches are expected in a 12-hour period. In the Upper Peninsula: 4 to 7 inches of snow are anticipated in that same time period.

 Winter Storm Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe winter weather, with the possibility of heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, heavy snow and blowing snow—or a combination of events—in the next 12 to 48 hours.

 Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions are imminent. There are a variety of warnings, including ice storm warning, lake effect snow warning, and winter storm warning. A winter storm warning for heavy snow generally indicates snowfalls of at least 8 inches.

 Blizzard Watch: Indicates that conditions are favorable to meet or exceed blizzard warning criteria.

 Blizzard Warning: Indicates that a blizzard event is expected. Sustained winds or frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph will accompany falling and/or blowing snow for three hours or more. Visibility can be reduced to zero during a blizzard.

 Wind Chill: Wind chill is the temperature it “feels like” when you are outside. The National Weather Service provides a chart to show the difference between air temperature and the perceived temperature and the amount of time until frostbite occurs. For more information, visit: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/windchill.

 Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected.