![]() ![]() The chart below shows how the different types of winter precipitation are formed. Wind Chill: The apparent temperature the body feels when wind is factored into the equation.Sleet can make roads slippery very quickly. Sleet tends to be softer than hail and is easily compacted. Sleet: Rain/melted snow that has begun refreezing when it reaches the ground.Large build-ups of ice can down trees and power lines and coat roads. The rain freezes upon contact with the ground. Freezing Rain: Caused by rain falling on surfaces with a temperature below freezing.Winds lofting the current snow pack and reducing visibilities without any falling snow is called a ground blizzard. Blizzard: Blowing and/or falling snow with winds of at least 35 mph, reducing visibilities to a quarter of a mile or less for at least three hours.Rapidly falling temperatures in conjunction with the snow can cause dangerous impacts to surface transportation. Snow Squall: intense, but limited duration, periods of moderate to heavy snowfall, accompanied by gusty surface winds resulting in reduced visibilities and whiteout conditions.The aftermath of a winter storm can impact a community or region for days, weeks or even months, incurring steep economic costs. Severely cold temperatures and wind chills during and after a winter storm can lead to hypothermia and kill anyone caught outside for too long. Heavy snowfall and blizzards easily trap motorists in their vehicles and make walking to find help a deadly effort. ![]() Impassable snow drifts often maroon people at home without utilities or other services for days after an event. High winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, and dangerously cold temperatures are the main hazards associated with winter storms. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states while others affect only a single community. Winter storms range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a massive blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Whether it be exposure to the cold, vehicle accidents caused by slick roads, or fires resulting from the improper use of heaters, hundreds of people are injured or killed each year as a direct result of winter weather. Wintertime poses a wide range of threats to the American public. ![]()
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