How do winter storms move

Lake effect storms are not low pressure system storms. As a cold, dry air mass moves over the Great Lakes regions, the air picks up lots of moisture from the Great Lakes. This air, now full of water, dumps the water as snow in areas generally to the south and east of the lakes.

Snow squalls are brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant. Snow squalls are best known in the Great Lakes region.

Most precipitation that forms in wintertime clouds starts out as snow because the top layer of the storm is usually cold enough to create snowflakes. Snowflakes are just collections of ice crystals that cling to each other as they fall toward the ground.

Precipitation continues to fall as snow when the temperature remains at or below 0 degrees Celsius from the cloud base to the ground. Precipitation falls as snow when the temperature remains at or below 0 degrees Celsius from the cloud base to the ground. Sleet occurs when snowflakes only partially melt when they fall through a shallow layer of warm air. These slushy drops refreeze as they next fall through a deep layer of freezing air above the surface, and eventually reach the ground as frozen rain drops that bounce on impact.

Sleet falls when snowflakes partially melt as they fall, and then refreeze before they reach the ground. Freezing rain occurs when snowflakes descend into a warmer layer of air and melt completely. Shelter animals. Stay inside if possible. Watch for changing weather conditions.

Severe weather can happen quickly. Temperatures may drop rapidly, winds may increase, or snow may begin to fall at heavier rates. Even local media may not know moment by moment what is happening in your particular area.

Move animals to sheltered areas with a supply of non-frozen water. Most animal deaths in winter storms are caused by dehydration. Ensure that you have supplies for clean-up for your companion animals, particularly ifthey are used to eliminating outdoors large plastic bags, paper towels, and extra cat litter. Avoid unnecessary travel. The safest place during a winter storm is indoors. About 70 percent of deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.

Dress warmly in layers. Watch for dangers. You should: Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater.

If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers. Listen to a local station on battery-powered radio or television or to NOAA Weather Radio for updated emergency information. Bring your companion animals inside before the storm begins.

Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration. Drink liquids such as warm broth or juice.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, accelerates the symptoms of hypothermia. Alcohol, such as brandy, is a depressant and hastens the effects of cold on the body. Alcohol also slows circulation and can make you less aware of the effects of cold. Both caffeine and alcohol can cause dehydration. Conserve fuel. Winter storms can last for several days. Great demand may be placed on electric, gas, and other fuel distribution systems fuel oil, propane, etc.

Suppliers of propane and fuel oil may not be able to replenish depleted supplies during severe weather. Electric and gas services may be temporarily disrupted when many people demand large amounts at the same time. Close off unused rooms, and stuff towels or rags in cracks under the doors. Cover the windows at night. If you must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards: Wear layered clothing , mittens or gloves, and a hat.

Layered clothing will keep you warmer than a single, heavy coat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat. Mittens are warmer than gloves because your fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other. Half of your body-heat loss is from your head. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.

Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body. Stretch before you go out.

If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury. Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack.

Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia. Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries.

If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation if possible. About 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.

Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone. Avoid driving in a winter storm. If stranded, stay with the vehicle and keep warm. You should: Have your vehicle winterized before the winter storm season. Keeping your vehicle in good condition will decrease your chance of being stranded in cold weather. Have a mechanic check your battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, and oil level.

If necessary, replace existing oil with winter-grade oil. Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that vehicles on their roads be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs. Check your vehicle emergency supplies kit and replenish it if necessary.

If you will be driving in wintry conditions, in addition to the usual emergency supplies you keep in your vehicle, be sure to keep enough of the following for each person: Blankets or sleeping bags.

Rain gear, extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks, and wool hats. Newspapers for insulation. Plastic bags for sanitation. Keep in your vehicle: A windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.

A small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats. Matches in a waterproof container.

Cards, games, and puzzles A brightly colored preferably red cloth to tie to the antenna. Keep a cell phone or two-way radio with you when traveling in winter. Make sure the battery is charged. If you must be on the road during a winter storm, bring warm broth in a thermos and several bottles of water for each person. Plan to travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person with you. Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.

If your vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route. Before leaving, listen to weather reports for your area and the areas you will be passing through, or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Be on the lookout for sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and dense fog, which can make driving very hazardous. Avoid traveling during a winter storm. If you must travel and do become stranded, it is better to stay in the vehicle and wait for help.

Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within yards 91 meters. You can quickly become disoriented and confused in blowing snow.

If you are stuck in a vehicle: Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth preferably red on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling. Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Carbon monoxide can build up inside a standing vehicle while the engine is running, even if the exhaust pipe is clear. Running the heater for 10 minutes every hour generally is enough to keep the occupants warm. Running the engine for only short periods reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserves fuel.

Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour or five minutes every half hour. Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen. Do light exercises to keep up circulation.

Clap your hands and move your arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long. If more than one person is in the vehicle, take turns sleeping. One of the first signs of hypothermia is sleepiness. If you are not awakened periodically to increase body temperature and circulation, you can freeze to death. Huddle together for warmth. A winter storm is composed of three factors: cold air, moisture, and lift.

Winter storms usually form along a stationary front. An area of lower pressure develops along the front as the atmosphere tries to even out the pressure difference. This creates wind, which blows from high pressure towards low pressure, in an attempt to move enough air to even out the pressure difference. As the air moves toward the low-pressure area, it has nowhere to go but up into the colder regions of the atmosphere. This causes water vapor in the air to condense.

To the north of the storm, where temperatures are colder, this condensed water falls as snow. To the south, if the temperatures are warm enough, it can fall as heavy rain in thunderstorms.