Prior Lake, Minnesota

... Winter hazard awareness week... day one... overview of weather
warnings and terminology...

Today begins the observance of winter hazard awareness week in
Minnesota and Wisconsin. The following is the first of five daily
statements.

The National Weather Service issues various products for
hazardous winter weather events to provide the public ample
information and time to prepare for potentially life threatening
conditions experienced with winter storms.

Hazardous weather outlooks...
     provide general information on developing winter weather up to
     a week before it occurs. While specific information... such as
     snow accumulations... may not be known until a day or two before
     a winter storm... you should closely monitor future forecasts
     and statements... and be alert for watches... warnings... and
     advisories... when winter weather is highlighted in an outlook.

Winter Storm Watch...
     severe winter weather conditions... including heavy snow...
     blowing snow... freezing rain... and/or sleet... may soon affect
     your area. If a watch is issued for your area... you should pay
     special attention to future forecasts and statements... and begin
     to make safety preparations.

Winter Storm Warning...
     severe and life threatening winter weather conditions are
     occurring... or are imminent. Most warnings are issued for
     heavy snow and wind... but may also be issued for ice and sleet
     storms. If a warning is issued for your area... you should take
     immediate action to ensure the appropriate safety precautions
     have been taken.

Blizzard Warning...
     visibilities are reduced to less than 1/4 mile for several
     hours due to falling and/or blowing snow... making travel
     virtually impossible. The wind must be at least 35 mph.

Wind chill...
     the cooling effect upon exposed skin... produced by the
     combination of temperature and wind. Note that the wind
     chill is based on a formula revised in 2001.

Advisories...
     these are issued for conditions which warrant increased
     public awareness and moderately hamper travel... but the
     weather is not severe enough to merit a warning.

More detailed information concerning winter safety can be
acquired by contacting the Minnesota division of Homeland
security and emergency management... the Wisconsin division of
emergency management... your local County or city emergency
management office... or your nearest National Weather Service
office.