Winter Hazard Awareness Week – Winter Storms
November 6 - 10, 2017 is Winter Hazard Awareness Week in Minnesota. Today's focus is Winter Storms. Here are some winter weather terms and their meanings:
Snow flurries: light snow will fall for a short duration. A light dusting of snow or no accumulation is expected.
Snow showers: varying intensity of snow fall for brief periods with some accumulation expected.
Sleet: raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually does not stick to objects but can accumulate and cause hazardous driving conditions.
Freezing rain: rain that freezes to surfaces such as trees, power lines, vehicles and roads forming a glaze of ice. Even a minimal accumulation of freezing rain can create very hazardous conditions.
Winter storm warning: Imminent or occurring heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet. Warnings are usually given 12 to 24 hours before the expected event.
Winter storm watch: Possible blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet. Watches are usually given 12 to 24 hours before the expected event.
Blizzard warning: expect sustained or wind gusts of 35 miles per hour or more causing blowing snow and visibility of 1/4 mile or less creating hazardous driving conditions.
There you have it. Just a few of the winter weather terms you'll undoubtedly hear over the next few months. For more information about winter weather and Winter Hazard Awareness Week, visit Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and be prepared for what lies ahead.