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Severe Winter Storm

A severe winter storm is defined as a prolonged event involving snow or ice. The characteristics of severe winter storms are determined by the amount and extent of snow or ice, air temperature, wind, and event duration (National Weather Service, 2009).

  • Heavy snow is snowfall accumulating to four inches or more in depth in 12 hours or less, or snowfall accumulating to six inches or more in depth in 24 hours or less. A snow squall is an intense, but limited-duration period of moderate to heavy snowfall, also known as a snowstorm, accompanied by strong, gusty surface winds, and possibly lightning.
  • Blizzards are characterized by low temperatures, wind gusts of 35 mph or more, and falling and/or blowing snow that reduces visibility to ΒΌ-mile or less for three or more hours.
  • Sleet is defined as pellets of ice composed of frozen or mostly frozen raindrops or refrozen partially melted snowflakes. These pellets of ice usually bounce after hitting the ground or other hard surfaces. Freezing rain is rain that falls as a liquid but freezes into glaze upon contact with the ground. Both types of precipitation, even in small accumulations, can cause significant hazards to a community.
  • Ice storms are occasions when damaging accumulations of ice are expected during freezing rain situations. Significant accumulations of ice pull down trees and utility lines, resulting in loss of power and communication. These accumulations of ice make walking and driving extremely dangerous.

Applicable Planning Tools and Strategies

Addressing Hazards in Plans and Policies 

  • Comprehensive Plan
  • Climate Plan
  • Exploratory Scenario Planning
  • Hazard Mitigation Plan
  • Pre-disaster Planning
  • Resilience Planning

Improving Buildings and Infrastructure

  • Building Code
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection