Light snowy showers to blizzards, icy roads leading to hazardous travel conditions. Gusts of wind that knock the power out, and extreme cold. Are you prepared for the conditions of a winter storm?
Winter storms are caused by disturbances that form along the borderline between the cold polar air and the warmer air to the south and sometimes turn into storms. These disturbances are usually large, intense low-pressure systems that cover tens of thousands of square miles, this is when they would be referred to as a storm, especially if they bring some type of precipitation. Precipitation from storms can be rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
In every weather app, several alerts are used as a warning for snow. Every phone has a weather app pre-installed. The most notable alerts are blizzard warnings, which are sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 miles per hour or higher, as well as considerable falling or blowing snow, reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile and average visibility to about three miles. These conditions would be expected to prevail for three hours or longer. The next warning is a wind chill; this is how cold people and animals feel when outside in contrast to the temperature, which is measured when the air is still. As the wind increases, it continuously blows heat away from the skin, making the temperature feel lower. The stronger the winds, the colder it feels outside. Another warning is winter Storm outlook, the potential winter storm conditions in the next two to five days. A winter Storm watch is winter storm conditions that could happen within the next 36 to 48 hours. The winter weather advisory is winter weather conditions, which may be hazardous but not life-threatening if you follow the precautions. The last but not least type of weather warning is a winter storm warning; these are life-threatening, severe winter conditions that have begun or will begin within 24 hours. When this warning is sent out, it is imperative to follow
Storms are caused by disturbances that arise near the border between the warmer air from the south and the frigid polar air. More specifically, a nor'easter, which is a common storm in Massachusetts, begins to form over the coast between New Jersey and Georgia. Cold air is blown south from Canada while also being blown east into the ocean by the polar jet stream. The Gulf Stream is a warm water current that keeps the Atlantic water warm. A low-pressure system is created where the warm water and cold air converge. A storm develops as a result of the low-pressure system creating clouds.
Storms can be unpredictable, which means preparing for storms is essential for your safety. There are many ways that you can prepare, for example, staying warm during extreme temperatures. Layer up, and avoid making unnecessary trips outside. During a storm, you may lose power, so it is key that you are ready for anything that could happen. Staying connected with the community will be important, having a radio or keeping up with the news will help ensure that you are updated and ready. More ways to help prepare for a storm are gathering emergency supplies like food and water, extra blankets, batteries, extra medications, and any important documents or papers. Lastly, it is a good idea to have a to-go kit in case you need to evacuate your home. This kit could include a battery pack, food and water, a small first aid kit, and a flashlight. Finally, in case anything happens during the storm, being educated on emergency skills will be very helpful. Being able to identify and treat frostbite and hypothermia, as well as knowing how to keep your pipes from freezing to make sure you don't lose access to water.
Comments