We all love to watch the snow fall, pure white, and see how it gathers together until it thickens on the sidewalks of our houses. A snowy day is so much fun, the cold, the snowmen and lying down making ice angels. Then, after playing, a blanket, a cup of coffee and watching a movie.
There is something special about snow, everything turns into postcards, everything looks beautiful under the snow, but… when does snow start to be dangerous? Can snow actually be a real threat?
For many, a snowy day can be just a nuisance, but for other people, especially those who live in areas with much more limited infrastructure, it can mean staying at home, power outages, and even medical emergencies…
What for some is just a day at home, for others it becomes an odyssey, so it is very important to know how to identify when snow represents a danger for us or not (of course, if you live in a coastal area, it does not represent any danger for you…!)
What is heavy snow?
We already know that this country is not much for severe climates, but the weather conditions that winter brings can leave many of us confused. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), heavy snow is an accumulation of at least 10 centimetres of snow in 12 hours, or 15 centimetres in 24 hours.
In this way, we can “standardize” the accumulation of snow and thus help citizens understand what are the effects and risks associated with this type of winter storms. But be careful, this definition may vary a little depending on the area in which you are located and its geographical characteristics.
When is a heavy snow warning issued?
If we go by the standardization we discussed earlier, when there is at least six inches of snow accumulation in twelve hours. This way, and with this warning, residents can take precautions before they have to stop their normal routines due to safety risks.
In areas where heavy snowfall is more intense, the NWS allows itself to adjust the term “heavy” within certain limits, for example, in Central Illinois it has warnings starting at six inches, but in other areas such as Champaign or Vermilion, the warning appears only with five inches of snow.
Why is standardization important?
Because the NWS’s job is to ensure public safety, and when levels are similar everywhere, residents can take action knowing what’s happening.
How can you prepare for a forecast like this?
It’s very important to be prepared, so make sure you have essential supplies (food, water, and blankets) first. Keep your devices charged, and if you have them, your portable batteries too in case of power outages. Also avoid unnecessary travel.
If you need to go out, check road conditions through official channels first and wear appropriate clothing for the cold, no time for hats!
When the cold comes, it comes, and winter storms are a reality that are practically inevitable, so it is necessary to organize so that we are not caught off guard and to be able to minimize the risks.
So, the next time the weatherman says that “heavy snow” is approaching, you know that you have a very nice afternoon of sofa, chocolate and blanket by the fireplace while watching the snow from your window.