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NEWS

ARES Documents are available for downloading. Find them at the bottom of this page.

WINTER SEASON WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

SNOW ADVISORY -- A Snow Advisory will be issued when 3-5 inches is expected to fall.

*Check with your NWS office for local snowfall requirements.

BLOWING SNOW ADVISORY -- A Blowing Snow advisory will be posted for events in which visibility is intermittently 1/4 mile or less.

FREEZING RAIN / FREEZING DRIZZLE ADVISORY -- This requires that hazardous driving conditions be taking place and/or up to 1/4 inch of freezing rain on tree branches and/or if power lines break.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY -- A Winter Weather Advisory will be issued if conditions warranting two separate winter advisories are met.

WINTER STORM WATCH -- A Winter Storm Watch may be issued when conditions are forecast to meet the criteria for more than one warning with in the next 36 hours. A watch for a single winter weather event does not exist, for example a Wind Chill Watch or a Heavy Snow Watch. Just the same, if a forecaster thinks there will be significant snow and ice tomorrow, he/she will issue a Winter Storm Watch.

WINTER STORM WARNING -- A Winter Storm Warning will be issued if conditions are forecast to meet the criteria for two separate warnings in the next 12-24 hours. Example: If you have Heavy Snow Warning conditions along with Wind Chill Warning conditions, a Winter Storm Warning will be issued.

BLIZZARD WARNING -- A Blizzard Warning will be issued when the following conditions are forecast to last at least 3 hours. Falling and/or blowing snow frequently reducing visibility to < 1/4 mile AND sustained winds or frequent gusts > 35 mph.

ICE STORM WARNING -- An Ice Storm Warning will be issued if freezing rain/drizzle is occurring with a significant accumulation of ice (more than 1/4 inch) or accumulation of 1/2 inch of sleet.

HEAVY SNOW WARNING -- A Heavy Snow Warning will be issued if 6 or more inches of snow is expected in a 12 hour period.

Winter Storm Safety Rules

Keep ahead of the winter storm by listening to the latest weather warnings and bulletins on radio and television.

* Check battery powered equipment before the storm arrives. A portable radio or television set may be your only contact with the world outside the winter storm. Also check emergency cooking facilities and flashlights.

* Check your supply of heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not be able to move if a winter storm buries your area in snow.

* Check your food and stock an extra supply. Your supplies should include food that requires no cooking or refrigeration in case of power failure.

* Prevent fire hazards due to overheated coal or oil burning stoves, fireplaces, heaters, or furnaces.

* Stay indoors during storms and cold snaps unless in peak physical condition. If you must go out, avoid overexertion.

* Don't kill yourself shoveling snow. It is extremely hard work for anyone in less than prime physical condition, and can bring on a heart attack, a major cause of death during and after winter storms.

* Rural residents: Make necessary trips for supplies before the storm develops or not at all; arrange for emergency heat supply in case of power failure; be sure camp stoves and lanterns are filled. Dress to fit the season. If you spend much time outdoors, wear loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers; layers can be removed to prevent perspiring and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded. The hood should protect much of your face and cover your mouth to ensure warm breathing and protect your lungs from the extremely cold air.

NOAA/PA 86001

ARES Documents (PDF's)

ARES Manual (299kb)
Routine Messages (17kb)
Radiogram (14kb)
Agency Site Communications Survey (6kb)

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