Oakton, Virginia

... November 8 thru 14 is winter weather awareness week in WV...

Be ready for Winters worst. Heres what you can do...

Keep informed on winter products...

Winter storm watches are issued one to two days before an event.
It states that a significant winter storm is possible. Stay alert
for warnings to be issued which state that the storm is expected.
The watch is a cautionary product to get people ready.

Warnings or advisories are issued when the event is expected and
is imminent. These are products that should spur everyone to
action. They are typically issued 12 to 24 hours before the
precipitation begins. There are a few types of warnings and
advisories.

First... winter storm warnings and ice storm warnings are issued
for substantial winter events. A Winter Storm Warning is issued
when 5 or more inches of snow are expected. An Ice Storm Warning
is issued for a major ice storm where a quarter inch or more of
ice glazing is expected. For either of these... plan on being
isolated and unable to travel during the storm.

Advisories on the other hand are issued for the more common
nuisance level event. There are freezing rain advisories for ice
glazing... and there are winter weather advisories for two or more
inches of snow or mixed events. With these... expect that travel
will be affected.

There are also products for extremely cold wind chills.

A Wind Chill Advisory is issued when the wind chill is expected
to fall to minus 5 or lower.

A wind chill warning is issued for major Arctic blasts when the
wind chill is expected to fall to minus 20 or lower.

Be prepared for winter. Store emergency supplies in your home and
car. Make plans for heating your home in an emergency.

Remember to keep posted on weather conditions. Being prepared for
an emergency is up to you.