A Guide to Winter Storm Warnings

Not all winter storms are alike. The forecasts for winter storms often use a number of terms to predict the exact type of winter weather on the way. Understanding the difference between what wintery mix, sleet, icing, and the many types of snow mean can help to prepare for the next big winter storm.

Weather is unpredictable but there are some factors which help weather forecasters estimate the type of winter storm on the way. The wind, temperature, and path of a storm are all factors which can determine if roads turn to sheets of ice or the next town over gets a foot of drifting snow. Weather language does provide clues as to what type of winter weather to expect in each area with approaching storms. The following terms are common winter storm warnings and each one can have a very different impact on the local weather outcome.

WIntery Mix
A wintery mix, in ordinary terms, is best described as a blend of snow, rain, and possibly sleet. This often occurs when temperatures hover around the freezing mark, making precipitation change randomly from rain and sleeting to snow when temperatures drop enough. The main problem with getting a wintery mix storm warning is that it can be all of the three types of precipitation and leave roads unpredictably slick.

Arctic Blast
One of the newest weather buzz words is the idea of an arctic blast. This happens in the United States when the cold air from Canada gusts down and brings with it wind chills below zero. Many northern areas of the country are accustomed to below zero wind chills but areas not used to arctic blasts are often shocked at how cold it can be. The main danger when an arctic blast sweeps through large areas of the country is the cold temperatures which can be dangerous. Frost bite and hypothermia are often on the rise when arctic blasts sweep in.

Freezing Rain
Freezing rain is often the main cause for power outages and damages to homes and property. In areas where freezing rain accumulates and stays frozen long enough, trees begin to snap and power lines begin to fail. The solution is often waiting for the weather to warm enough to melt the ice. Freezing rain also adds to "black ice" on roads and increased car accidents. Freezing rain is one of the most dangerous weather conditions for driving and avoiding driving during periods of freezing rain is highly recommended.

The Blizzard
Blizzards, like hurricanes, often become infamous if they last long enough and cause enough damage. In Buffalo, the Blizzard of '77 gave Buffalo a reputation for Lake Effect snow for decades. An actual blizzard requires a few factors to be considered blizzard weather. Winds must be 35 miles per hour or greater with visibility at a 1/4 mile or less and the snow/wind combination must last for at least 3 hours. Wind plays a key role with blizzards and many snowstorms may have inches of snow fall but not enough wind speed to be considered a blizzard.

Snow Showers
Snow that is light in consistency is often associated with snow showers. This type of weather is usually brief, or happens in short intervals. Accumulations of snow with snow showers are gradual, unlike forecasts for heavy snow or blizzards.

Nor' Easters
The east coast of the United States is the target for Nor' Easters. When a low pressure system winds its way up the east coast, it brings with it strong winds and heavy precipitation. During the winter months, Nor; Easter storms tend to follow the coastline, often leading to blizzard conditions and airport delays or closures.

Heavy Snow
Weather forecasters talk in terms of inches when a winter storm approaches. Heavy snow brings both accumulation and the kind of snow that can feel like a ton of bricks to shovel. In order to consider the winter storm weather one with heavy snow, there must be at least 4 inches of snow falling in under 12 hours or at least 6 or more inches of snowfall in less than 24 hours.

Sleet
Sleeting happens when raindrops freeze while falling. Sleet can either stay frozen on the ground if temperatures remain below freezing, creating ice, or it can melt and turn into a slushy mix when temperatures rise. The former possibility is more dangerous for driving.