Winter Storms 101: How To Prepare For Snow, Ice

Winter storms will become more frequent in the coming weeks and months, so it's important to refresh your memory on topics ranging from what different alerts mean to what you should know about forecasts, some sneaky hazards we see and steps you can take to be ready.

Here are five things you need to know about winter storms to be prepared.

(​MORE: Recent Strong El Niños Show Variety Of Outcomes Possible This Winter)

1. Key Winter Storm Alerts You Might See

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a variety of watches, warnings and advisories, but below we have some of the key ones we see each winter. Keep in mind the criteria for each of these depends on where you live.

A winter storm watch means get ready: These are issued when significant winter weather in the form of snow, ice and sometimes strong winds are possible in your area within 48 hours. It simply means the hazardous conditions are possible, but not guaranteed.

A w​inter storm warning means significant, high-impact winter weather is imminent or ongoing: This could be in the form of snow or a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain. This situation sometimes includes strong winds.

W​inter weather advisories are issued for events that are more of a nuisance, but still hazardous: Snow, sleet or freezing rain in this type of alert is likely cause significant inconvenience such as poor travel conditions, but is not serious enough to reach warning level.

Blizzard warnings require a specific visibility and wind threshold to be met: These are more rarely issued than winter storm warnings. That's because snow and/or blowing snow must reduce visibility to a quarter-mile or less for at least three hours in combination with sustained winds or frequent gusts of at least 35 mph. Heavy snow falling without wind isn't technically a blizzard.

I​ce storm warnings point to a damaging icing threat: These are also issued less frequently when freezing rain accumulations of a quarter-inch or more are anticipated on trees, power lines and other surfaces. Heavy accumulations of ice like this can result in widespread power outages and tree damage.

2. There Are Two Different Types Of Ice

W​e all know what snow looks like, but there is sometimes confusion about what to call types of ice in winter.

Sleet falls as ice pellets: You might see this kind of ice bouncing off surfaces, making a "ping" sound on a car's windshield or a skylight in your home. Sleet pellets sometimes accumulate similar to snow, which can make travel slippery.

Freezing rain looks like rain but freezes when it makes contact: This means the raindrops can adhere to roads, trees, power lines and other structures when temperatures are 32 degrees or colder, which can make travel dangerous.

Determining whether snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected depends on temperatures at different levels in the atmosphere, as explained in the text below this graphic.

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3. Forecasts Change, So Check Back Often

As an example, the animation below shows two separate forecasts from the same computer model about 5 days in advance of a potential winter weather event in the South. These two forecasts were generated by that model just 12 hours apart, yet they have drastically different outcomes with model forecast No. 1 showing a significant winter storm and model forecast No. 2 showing mostly rain.

The takeaway on what you should do: Make sure you receive your weather information from a reliable source and not from a viral post on social media. Even when using a reliable source, don't take a first snow or ice forecast as gospel and be sure to check back for forecast updates as the potential winter event approaches.

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4. Be Aware Of 'Sneaky' Winter Weather Hazards

Even light snow and/or ice can be dangerous: It doesn't take a major winter storm to cause major travel problems. I​n recent back-to-back winters, 54% of fatal snow-related traffic accidents occurred where snowfall was too light or too short in duration to warrant an NWS winter storm warning or winter weather advisory.

S​now squalls turn driving conditions from good to dangerous in an instant: These heavy bursts of snow have historically contributed to major highway pileups due to their brief but intense snowfall rates, dropping visibility suddenly.

They often occur where there is no major large-scale winter storm ongoing, taking unsuspecting drivers by surprise.

Freezing fog can create slick roads: Fog can be dangerous because of reduced visibility, but it can also turn road conditions icy. When surface temperatures are below freezing, water droplets in a fog are supercooled, waiting to freeze on contact with any subfreezing surface. These freezing fog events can be dangerous not only for a reduction in visibility but also for a light accumulation of ice on roads, particularly bridges and overpasses.

5. Here's How To Prepare And Stay Safe This Winter

Before a winter storm impacts your area, be sure you have the supplies you need at home: Make sure to have flashlights, batteries, extra food and water, medications, first-aid supplies, a battery-powered radio and a heat source. Remember to never run a generator in an enclosed space.

If you have pets, have extra food, plenty of water and a warm shelter for them.

What you should do when traveling in a vehicle: When driving in wintry conditions, take it slow and avoid sudden stopping or changes in direction.

Before taking a trip, check all fluid levels in your car, as well as its lights and windshield wipers. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Let someone know your plans and check road conditions.

Keep a shovel, sand or cat litter for traction, windshield scraper and brush, tow rope, tool kit, booster cables, a compass and roadmaps in your car in case you get stuck or lost.

Other supplies that are good to have on hand if you get stranded are a phone (and a charger), batteries, blankets, flashlight, first aid kit, non-perishable food, extra clothes, candles, matches and a water container. When heading outdoors in the winter, dressing warmly in layers is recommended.

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