Winter Terms.
 
Being Familiar with terminology used by the Weather Service will help you know what to expect when weather warnings are issued.
 
Freezing Rain. Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines. Outside temps are below the freezing mark of 32 degrees. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.
 
Ice Storm. When a substantial Icy glaze layer accumulates. In some regions of the country, Ice storms are called "silver thaws" or "silver frosts".
 
Sleet. Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists.
 
Winter storms. - These are weather hazards associated with freezing or frozen precipitation or combined effects of winter precipitation and strong winds.
 
Winter Weather ADVISORY. means winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. If you are cautious, these situations should not be life threatening. Outlooks, watches, warnings, and advisories are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) and broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio and on local radio and television stations
 
Winter Storm OUTLOOK. means winter storm conditions are possible in the next two to five days. Stay tuned to local media for updates
 
Winter Storm Watch. means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans (Family Disaster Plan, Shelter in Place Kits) and keep informed about weather conditions.
 
Winter Storm Warning. A Winter Storm WARNING means life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.
 
Blizzard Warning. A blizzard warning is issued when there is a chance of Sustained winds or frequent gusts of wind up to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer. This will reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile.  People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.
 
Frost/Freeze Warning. Below freezing temperatures are expected.
 
Frostbite. is damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold. A wind chill of -20° Fahrenheit (F) with light winds will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes.  Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately! 
 
Hypothermia. is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F, and it can kill. For those who survive, there is likely to be lasting damage to the kidneys, liver and pancreas. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. .
 
Travelers' advisory means that falling snow and / or drifting snow, strong winds, freezing rain or drizzle will make driving hazardous.
Heavy Snow warnings are issued when 4 or more inches are expected during a 12 hours period, or when 6 inches or more are expected during a 24 hour period.
 
Blowing and Drifting snow, result from strong winds. Blowing, falling snow or loose snow on the ground can produce sizeable drifts.
 
Wind Chill, is not the actual temperature, but rather how wind and cold actually feel on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Wind Chill is the temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed. It is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold. As the speed of the wind increases, it can carry heat away from your body much more quickly, causing skin temperature to drop. When there are high winds, serious weather-related health problems are more likely, even when temperatures are only cool. Animals are also affected by wind chill; however, cars, plants and other objects are not.
 
Wind Chill Temperature.
The wind chill temperature is how cold people and animals feel when they are outside. Wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. As wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at a faster rate. This drives down the body temperature. Therefore, the wind makes it feel much colder. The wind chill temperature is not the actual temperature but rather how wind and cold feel on exposed skin.