For Release November 14, 2000

AGRI-VIEWS
by Chuck Otte, Geary County Extension Agent

Today, November 14th, is winter weather awareness day. A couple of weeks ago it was hard to even think about winter weather, but now it feels like we’re in the middle of it. This is good, because it really points out just how fast the weather can change here in the Great Plains. What everyone needs to be aware of is this: with very little advance notice, from now through early April, we can find ourselves plunged into severe and deadly winter weather. You have to be prepared at all times!

Now for the details. Temperature is the main killer. All the other winter factors simply amplify temperatures impact. Historically, we have had below zero weather as early as November 28th and as late as March 15th. We don’t have to have temperatures below zero to kill. Temperatures at or below freezing can kill, IF you are not prepared.

The National Weather Service does a very good job of letting us know that conditions may be deteriorating. Granted, it isn’t unusual for winter weather watches to be issued and we wind up with little or nothing. That’s the nature of winter storms. A 50 mile shift, north or south, of a projected storm track can swing an area from no snow to a raging blizzard. Keep an ear tuned to a local station and always be prepared for the worst.

Just as with thunderstorm and tornado alerts, their are watches and warnings. A winter storm watch means that some form of severe winter weather is possible. As the situation develops, a watch may be upgraded to one of several warnings, including: a winter storm, blizzard, heavy snow, high wind, ice storm or wind chill warning. Additionally, with winter weather, there may also be advisories. Advisories are not quite as bad as warnings, but still need to be heeded. Advisories would include: snow, wind, wind chill, freezing drizzle, blowing snow, dense fog and winter weather. If conditions worsen, an advisory is usually upgraded to a warning. Obviously a warning indicates more severe conditions than advisories.

Most problems occur when people travel and are caught out in severe winter weather. Therefore it is essential that you always travel prepared from November through March. Even if you think you will only be driving within 25 miles of your home, you should be prepared. Keep extra winter clothing in your car. Not only for you, but for your children as well. Keep blankets, in the vehicle as well as some food (candy bars and sports bars are good emergency rations). Place a couple of coffee cans or any large can with several candles and matches in your vehicle. A burning candle in a can will do a good job of warming fingers to prevent frostbite, and you can melt snow in a second can for water. Always keep your car fuel tank at least half full in the winter.

If you get stranded, stay with the vehicle. Cold is the killer and wind is it’s accomplice. You may feel pretty helpless, but you’re better off to stay in the vehicle if you can not see buildings close by. If you are traveling, try to avoid traveling alone. Make sure someone knows of your travel plans. With the advent of cell phones it is easier to contact help if you do run into problems.

But use common sense and don’t allow yourself to get into dangerous situations. If the weather is bad, or deteriorating, don’t travel. Cell phones have lured people into a false sense of security. Just because you can contact emergency services does not mean they will be able to get to you quickly. Winter weather doesn’t have to be a killer. But through our lack of foresight, we all too often let it be one!

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