Department of Public Safety

Winter Storms

Links
Local Doppler Radar Image	Mercer County Forecast
Regional Rain/Snow Radar	Watches/Warnings/Advisories

BULLETIN	DEFINITION
Winter Storm Watch	A major snow and/or ice storm is developing and may arrive within 24 to 48 hours
Snow Advisory	3 to 6 inches of snow over a 12 hour period is expected soon or is occurring now
Blowing Snow Advisory	Blowing snow and reduced visibility can be expected soon or is occurring now
Winter Weather Advisory	A light to moderate mix of rain, snow, sleet and/or freezing rain can be expected soon or is occurring now
Winter Storm Warning	At least 6 inches of snow over a 12 hour period &/or significant amounts of freezing rain and gusty winds can be expected soon or is occurring now
Ice Storm Warning	1/4 inch or more of ice accumulation on exposed surfaces is expected soon or is occurring now
Heavy Snow Warning	At least 6 inches of snow over a 12 hour period in calm to light winds can be expected soon or is occurring now
Blizzard Warning	Snow with sustained winds of 35 miles per hour causing visibility frequently below 1/4 mile can be expected soon or is occurring now

The Importance of Wind Chill

During the winter months, it's not only the actual temperature that we worry about, but the wind chill temperature as well. The Wind Chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the combined effects of wind and cold. It is how cold the air feels to our skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate. The following is a chart that graphically correlates the properties of Air Temperature and Wind Speed.

Wind Chill Chart

Basic Automotive Winter Travel Equipment

`Ice and snow scraper`	`Fire extinguisher`
`At least 1 extra jug of` `windshield washer fluid`	`Matches and paper towels` `in water proof container`
`Tow rope`	`Sand or cat litter`
`Tool kit`	`Flashlight and spare batteries`
`Booster cables`	`Nonperishable high calorie food`
`Road maps`	`Water container`
`Compass`	`First aid kit`
`Blankets or sleeping bags`	`Shovel`

**Wind Speed Estimation (in MPH)**
Wind Speed	Description
0	Smoke rises vertically
1-3	The direction of the wind is shown by smoke but not wind vanes
4-7	Wind is felt on the face, leaves rustle, wind vanes move
8-12	Leaves and small twigs are in motion, small flags are extended
13-18	Dust and loose paper is raised, small branches move
19-24	Small leafy trees sway, crested wavelets form on lakes & ponds
25-31	Large branches are in motion, whistling is heard on power lines
32-38	Whole trees in motion, inconvenience in walking against wind
39-46	Twigs break off trees, difficult to walk against the wind
47-54	Minor structural damage such as chimneys and shingles
55-72	Damage to chimneys and antennas, shallow rooted trees uprooted
73-113	Roof surfaces peel, windows break, moving cars pushed off road
113-157	Roofs, weak buildings, mob. homes destroyed, lg. trees uprooted

[Red indicates severe thunderstorm criteria]

**Hail Size Estimation**
Size	Description
1/4 inch	Pea size
1/2 inch	Marble size
3/4 inch	Dime size
1 inch	Quarter size
1 3/4 inch	Golf ball size
2 3/4 inch	Baseball size

[Red indicates severe thunderstorm criteria]

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Winter Driving Tips

Winter Survival Safety Tips