Winter Storm Season Has Arrived. Here Are 5 Things To Know About Snow And Ice

W​inter storm season is here, which means there will be increasing bouts of snow and ice showing up in many forecasts across the country.

With that in mind, here's a "Winter Weather 101" refresher on five things you should know, ranging from how snow forecasts can change to some sneaky hazards and safety tips on how to prepare.

1. Snow And Ice Forecasts Change, So Check Back Often

Sometimes computer model forecast maps showing heavy snow amounts go viral on social media. The problem is those computer model forecasts can change daily as new data about the atmosphere is received.

A​n example from early December 2023 is shown below, when one forecast of a particular model painted in a significant snowstorm from Arkansas to the Great Lakes more than five days in advance (right side). Just 12 hours later, a new forecast from that same model showed a much less expansive snowy forecast (left side), including no accumulation over Arkansas.

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 exactly what to expect. As a snow event draws closer, your forecast could change from an inch or two to more than 6 inches, or vice versa, so be sure to check back for forecast updates.

2. Key Winter Storm Alerts You Might See

A variety of watches, warnings and advisories are issued by the National Weather Service, 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.

Under a watch? Get ready. Generally, if you see a winter storm watch issued, it means significant winter weather in the form of snow, ice and sometimes strong winds are possible in your area within 48 hours. It simply means hazardous conditions are possible but not guaranteed.

A​ warning means high-impact winter weather is imminent or ongoing. There are three types of these warnings in winter, and travel should be avoided when they are issued.

• A winter storm warning is for snow or a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain. This situation sometimes includes strong winds.
• Blizzard warnings are rarer and issued when snow, wind and low enough visibility combine to reach a specific meteorological criteria.
• I​ce storm warnings point to a damaging icing threat that can down trees or knock out power and make most travel treacherous, if not impossible.

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

3. 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.

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.

(192-hours: Further beef up your forecast with our detailed, hour-by-hour breakdown for the next 8 days – only available on our Premium Pro experience.)

4. Be Aware Of 'Sneaky' Winter Weather Hazards

Snow squalls are one of the most unsuspecting winter weather hazards. These heavy bursts of snow have historically contributed to major highway pileups due to their brief but intense snowfall rates, dropping visibility suddenly from clear conditions to a whiteout.

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

In addition, light snow as well as drizzle and fog in subfreezing temperatures might not seem like a big deal, but they can cause serious travel problems. See our deep dive on all of these sneaky winter hazards at this link.

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. Never run a generator in an enclosed space. If you have pets, have extra food, plenty of water and a warm shelter.

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, a windshield scraper and brush, tow rope, a 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, a flashlight, a 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.

Chris Dolce has been a senior meteorologist with weather.com for over 10 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.