Ennis, Texas

... Today is winter weather awareness day in Texas...

The National Weather Service and the state of Texas division
of emergency management have designated November 10th as winter
weather awareness day in Texas. This is an annual safety Campaign
designed to promote winter weather awareness and safety.

While winter weather is not as common in North Texas as it is to our
north... now is the time to prepare for the upcoming winter weather
season. The winter of 2009-2010 will be influenced by a moderate El
Nino. Likely impacts from El Nino will be near normal temperatures
and above normal precipitation. Past El Nino years... such as 1996-
1997... have produced above normal occurrences of snow and/or ice
storms across North Texas. In fact... the most likely impact during
El Nino years in North Texas is above normal precipitation.

It is important to keep abreast of current forecasts and to
familiarize yourself of what is expected when winter weather
watches... warnings... and advisories are issued.

A Winter Storm Watch is issued when significant winter weather is
expected to develop... such as snow... freezing rain... or sleet. Winter
storm watches are usually issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of the
storm.

Winter weather advisories... which include freezing rain... sleet...
and snow are issued when winter weather is imminent or occurring...
but is generally not life threatening and is not expected to reach
warning criteria.

Winter storm warnings or ice storm warnings are issued when severe
winter weather is imminent... occurring... or very likely. If winter
storm warnings are issued... winter weather conditions are expected
to be significant and life threatening.

For additional winter weather information... visit the National
Weather Service Fort Worth home Page at www.Weather.Gov/fortworth.