Storm Track Winter Weather Guide

Indicates heavy snow (greater than 6”), heavy sleet (1/2” +), or a combination of winter weather hazards are highly likely or occurring. Stay indoors and adjust travel plans.

Action:  Pay attention to the WDIO Storm Track weather reports for warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Download the WDIO mobile app for weather-related push alerts and to follow the radar. Listen for emergency information and alerts.  Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work, and in your car.

• At Home: Make snow removal plans, have shovels and/or gas for your snowblower.  Dress accordingly when you go out to shovel.  Put salt and/or sand down on slippery areas. Shovel or remove the snow frequently, taking breaks.  Shoveling more often can help prevent the pileup of heavy snow that can be difficult to move. Taking breaks (resting) can help your body recover.  The National Safety Council has additional tips to be shovel smart for your health.
• Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Make sure you have an ice scraper and brush in your vehicle. A flashlight, or signaling cone is helpful to warn approaching vehicles. A portable shovel is needed if you become stuck, and for clearing space around a tailpipe for extended idling. Keep the tailpipe clear of snow to prevent fumes from entering the car. If traveling, let someone know when you are leaving and what time you expect to get to your destination. It is helpful to tell someone what route you are taking. If you are stranded, stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Authorities advise not going for help unless you can sww assistance within 100 yards. Run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour, using the heater while the engine is running. Slightly open a window for ventilation. Remember to move your extremities to keep up circulation. Clap your hands, move your toes, arms and legs occasionally. If more than one person, take turns sleeping.
• Bring a warm blanket or sleeping bag, boots, extra hat and mittens. Have a cellphone charger. It is good to have protein snacks and extra water available.
  For additional tips visit Consumer Reports.
• Check on neighbors and family to make sure they are alright and if they need anything.

WATCH: Conditions are favorable for a blizzard event in the next 24 to 72 hours. Sustained wind or frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph will accompany falling and/or blowing snow to frequently reduce visibility to less than ¼ mile for three or more hours.

Action: Pay attention to changing weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Listen for emergency information and alerts.  Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car and make sure you have enough supplies in case you need to stay home.

WARNING: Strong winds of 35 mph or greater will combine with snowfall to produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life threatening conditions, especially for people attempting to travel.

Action: Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. You are strongly urged not to travel. If you must travel, alert someone to your travel plans. Have a charged cell phone and extra charger. Make sure you have your emergency car kit available. (See Winter Storm Warning.)

• If you become stranded, stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Authorities advise not going for help unless you can see assistance within 100 yards. Run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour, using the heater while the engine is running. Slightly open a window for ventilation. Remember to move your extremities to keep up circulation. Clap your hands, move your toes, arms and legs occasionally. If more than one person, take turns sleeping.

Snow Squall Warning:  A short fused warning product (normally 30-60 minutes) used to warn of an intense, short-lived burst of heavy snowfall. This will be issued for a combination of quick reduction in visibilities (less than 1/4 mile), sudden whiteout conditions, and slick/hazardous roads.

Action: If you come across a snow squall with near white-out conditions on an interstate or other high-speed highway, proceed with caution and be prepared to make an emergency stop if you come across stalled traffic.

Lake Effect Snow: is produced during cooler atmospheric conditions when a cold air mass moves across long expanses of warmer lake water. The lower layer of air, heated by the lake water, picks up water vapor from the lake and rises up through the colder air above to be deposited as snow on opposite shoreline downwind of warm water.

Lake Effect Snow Watch: Conditions are favorable for a lake effect snow event to meet or exceed local lake effect snow warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours. Widespread or localized lake induced snow squalls or heavy snow showers which produce snowfall accumulation to seven or more inches in 12 hours or less.

Lake Effect Snow Warning:  A lake effect snow event is expected to meet or exceed local lake effect snow warning criteria in the next 12 to 36 hours. Widespread or localized lake induced snow squalls or heavy snow showers which produce snowfall accumulation to seven or more inches in 12 hours or less.

Wind Chill Advisory: Dangerous wind chills of 15 to 24 below zero.

Wind Chill Warning: Life-threatening wind chills of 25 to 30 below zero or colder.

Action: If you are in an area with a wind chill warning, avoid going outside during the coldest parts of the day. If you do go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows your whereabouts. Update them when you arrive safely at your destination.
Bring pets indoors.
Pay attention to WDIO weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Listen for emergency information and alerts.