Log In


Reset Password
News Education Local News Nation & World New Mexico

Ready for winter? Weather Service has you covered

Forecasts explained, season tips offered

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction is breaking out cold-weather gear in the form of tips, advice and warnings in anticipation of Winter Weather Awareness Week, Oct. 19-25.

This is the time to review emergency preparedness plans, said Jim Pringle, the NWS warning coordination meteorologist in Grand Junction.

It is especially important, Pringle said, for all new arrivals to the state to become familiar with National Weather Service definitions.

Snow is essential to farmers, ski area operators and water managers, Pringle said. But snow brings bitter cold, high winds, low visibility, slick roads and avalanches.

Some important definitions:

A hazardous weather outlook can be issued as part of the daily forecast and can give information about potentially hazardous conditions up to seven days out.

A winter storm watch is issued when hazardous storm conditions are possible within three to four days.

A winter weather warning tells of potentially life-threatening events that can occur.

A winter storm warming advises of heavy snow and other events such as blowing snow or extreme wind chill.

Heavy snow is 12 inches or more in the mountains and 6 inches or more at lower elevations.

Advisories are issued when conditions are more of a nuisance than a life-threatening event.

A blizzard warning is issued when winds of 35 mph or more, falling snow and visibility of less than one-quarter mile are present for at least three hours.

Avalanches kill an average of six people every winter in Colorado. Skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers should know how to avoid avalanches but be prepared for them.

Here are some tips to be prepared:

Keep vehicles in good condition with good tires, chains, tow rope, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, first-aid kit, warm clothes, water and high-calorie packaged food.

Avoid traveling if possible during periods of high wind or if the road is covered with a thin layer of ice, commonly known as black ice.

If stranded on the road, stay with the vehicle. Idle the motor a few minutes each hour, but keep windows slightly cracked to avoid a buildup of carbon dioxide.

Stay dry and warm with insulated boots, hat and gloves or mittens to avoid frostbite or hypothermia.

daler@durangoherald.com

On the net

www.weather.gov

www.colorado.gov/avalanche



Reader Comments