Winter Weather

Winter Weather

If there is sufficient confidence that a major winter storm may cause a significant hazard to public safety, the information will be highlighted in the daily Hazardous Weather Outlook. Notification would generally be given three to seven days in advance of an event and would be updated as additional information becomes available.

The following winter weather advisories are the most common, and would primarily be issued for the first period of the seven day forecast. Advisories ALERT the public of situations that may cause inconvenience or difficulty to travelers, or for people who must be outdoors, but conditions generally do not pose a threat to life or property.

Snow Advisory	Used when snowfall amounts are below warning criteria, but nonetheless pose a hazard to the public. Issued for average snowfall amounts of less than 4". Forecast amounts would be 1-2", 1-3", 2-4", or around 3".
Winter Weather Advisory	Used when a mixture of precipitation such as snow, sleet, and freezing rain or drizzle is expected, but will not reach warning criteria. If only freezing rain or freezing drizzle is expected, then the product would be issued as a Freezing Rain or Freezing Drizzle advisory.

The following winter weather watches and warnings are the most common, and WARN the public of a more serious winter weather situation that may seriously hinder travel across the state and could pose a serious threat to life or property.

Winter Storm Watch	Issued if there is a threat for heavy snow or sleet, significant accumulations of freezing rain or freezing drizzle, or any combination of these. Issued for the second and third periods of a forecast, i.e. 12 to 36 hours in advance of the event. Generally not issued for the fourth period of a forecast. The definition of heavy snow in Kentucky is 4" or more in 12 hours, or 6" or more in 24 hours.
Winter Storm Warning	Issued if there is a high probability that severe winter weather will occur, such as heavy snow or sleet, significant accumulations of freezing rain or freezing drizzle, or any combination of these. Issued normally for the first period forecast, i.e. less than or equal to 12 hours in advance of the event. A winter storm warning may be extended into the second period of the forecast if necessary.
Heavy Snow Warning	Issued when heavy snowfall is expected (see above), and accompanied by moderate or heavy snowfall rates.
Blizzard Warning	Issued for winter storms with sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater, and considerable falling and/or blowing snow reducing visibilities to 1/4 mile or less. These conditions should last for 3 hours or longer.
Wind Chill Warning	Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to reach -10°F or colder, with a minimum wind speed of about 10 mph. (Test criteria for the 2002 / 2003 winter season.) Wind Chill Warnings are disseminated via the NPW WWUS45 KLMK weather product.

Be a Winter Wise Driver

Reliable transportation is especially important in the winter. If you have a car, make sure it is ready for whatever winter may bring. The following precautions may help you avoid an unpleasant or dangerous situation while traveling.

You should keep your car in top operating condition all year round. It is especially important to winterize you car by checking the following:

Ignition system, fuel system, brakes, battery, exhaust system, wiper blades, lights, antifreeze, defroster, tire tread, proper grade oil, snow tires, cooling system, heater, and chains.

Keep the gasoline tank full, if possible.

Carry a winter storm car kit, especially if traveling long distances. Among other things, a winter storm kit should include:

Matches and candles , first-aid kit, flashlight, shovel, tire chains, food supply, transistor radio, jumper cables, and sleeping bag

If you must use your car during a winter storm:

Plan your travel

Check the latest weather information on your NOAA weather radio

Slow down and increase your following distance. The braking distance for road surfaces with rain, snow, and ice can be from three to nine times greater than stopping distances on dry, clear roads. Icy conditions may also obscure lane marking and traffic signs.

Remember a bridge or overpass gets slick and icy before the roads do since bridge temperatures are five to six degrees colder than the roadway.

Stop gradually. Do not make any sudden moves with the steering wheel, brakes or accelerator.

If at all possible, stay off the roads when winter weather warnings or advisories are issued.