13News Now Winter Weather Guide

• WINTER STORM WATCH: Conditions exist for the possible occurrence of severe winter weather such as blizzard conditions, heavy snow, significant freezing rain or heavy sleet. Usually issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of the winter storm.
• WINTER STORM WARNING: Issued when heavy snow, significant freezing rain or heavy sleet is expected to occur. Usually issued 6 to 18 hours in advance of the winter storm.
• WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW: A snowfall within 12 hours of usually 1 to 2 inches.
• WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR FREEZING RAIN: A glaze of ice is expected from freezing rain that may hamper travel.
• WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW: Blowing and drifting snow will occasionally reduce visibility to an eighth of a mile or less with significant drifting in open areas.
• WIND CHILL ADVISORY: Wind chill temperatures are expected to be -5° to –20° Fahrenheit (F) for an extended period of time..
• WIND CHILL WARNING: Issued for wind chills below –20° Fahrenheit (F) for an extended period of time.
• BLIZZARD WATCH: Conditions exist for the possible occurrence of sustained or gusty winds of 35 m.p.h. or more are expected to reduce visibility at or below a quarter of mile for a least 3 hours. Usually issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of the start of blizzard conditions.
• BLIZZARD WARNING: Issued when sustained or gusty winds of 35 m.p.h. or more are expected to reduce visibility at or below a quarter of mile for a least 3 hours. Usually issued 6 to 18 hours in advance of the start of blizzard conditions.

WATCH: The difference between an advisory, watch and warning for winter weather

• FREEZING RAIN: Rain that freezes upon contact with a cold surface.
• SLEET: Solid grains of ice that form from rain that freezes before reaching the ground. These pellets of ice tend to bounce upon contact and may accumulate enough to cover the ground, even to a depth of several inches.
• FREEZING FOG: Freezing fog occurs when the water droplets that the fog is composed of are "supercooled". Supercooled water droplets remain in the liquid state until they come into contact with a surface upon which they can freeze.
• SNOW FLURRY: A brief instance of light snow with very little or no accumulation of snow on the ground.
• SNOW SQUALL: An intense fall of accumulating snow reducing visibility significantly and often accompanied by increased winds.
• BAY EFFECT SNOW: Snow that is generated from the Chesapeake Bay and can be quite heavy over one area and non-existent in another area within a short distance.
• HEAVY SNOW: 6 inches or more of snow in 24 hours for widespread snow and 6 inches in 12 hours for lake effect snow.

WATCH: The difference between snow, sleet and freezing rain

Remaining indoors protected from the elements is the safest place during a winter storm. The primary concern of indoor shelter is the potential loss of heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if the storm persists for more than a day. Keep the following available:

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-powered NOAA weather radio and portable AM/FM radio
• Extra food and water, especially high energy food that requires no cooking or refrigeration such as dried fruit and canned goods (Don't forget the non-electric can opener)
• Medicine, First Aid supplies and ample baby supplies
• Emergency heating source, such as a stocked fireplace, wood stove, or space heater
• Smoke detector and fire extinguisher since the chance of fire increases dramatically using alternative heating!

RELATED: If your power goes out, here's how you can report it and stay safe.

Don't forget to protect the pipes in your home during freezing temperatures! Leave cupboard doors open to your kitchen sink, so warm air reaches the pipes.

Allow a steady drip of cold water to flow from the highest faucet in your home (using cold instead of hot water will save you money on your energy bill). Moving water will not freeze.

Make sure your outdoor faucets are covered to protect them from the wind, and that they're detached from hoses.

Locate your private water shut-off valve so you can be prepared to turn off your water if the pipes do freeze and burst.

RELATED: How to keep your home's pipes from freezing, bursting

About 70% of deaths during an ice or snow storm occur in a vehicle! If you wonder if you should attempt to travel, then don't! If you must travel, then allow extra time. Reduce your speed and do not attempt to make sudden turns or stops. Winterize the vehicle so it will be reliable. This includes a good set of tires.

SEE ALSO: AAA tips for driving safe in snow, ice

Other items necessary for the car or truck include:

• Dry blanket(s) or sleeping bag
• Extra dry clothing
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• High calorie, non-perishable food
• Snow shovel, windshield scraper and brush
• Booster cables
• First Aid kit and a small container for water
• Maps, compass, knife and waterproof matches

WATCH: Rules and techniques to remember when driving in winter weather

RELATED: Here's how to prepare your car for snowy weather.

Virginia Natural Gas advises customers to follow these safety tips when winter weather arrives:

• Exercise caution removing snow or ice from your natural gas meter. Use your hands or a broom, not a shovel or mechanized equipment, to brush away snow or ice from your outdoor meter. Never kick or hit your gas meter or its piping with a hammer or any hard object to break away built-up snow or ice.
• Following a weather emergency, ensure the natural gas meter is visible at all times and accessible to emergency responders.
• Heavy snow and ice may weigh down power lines and tree limbs, causing them to fall. If a natural gas meter is damaged or gas line is exposed, immediately leave the area and call the Virginia Natural Gas 24-hour emergency response line, at 1-877-572-3342, from a safe location.
• To ensure the safe, proper operation of natural gas appliances, such as a furnace and water heater, and to prevent a potentially hazardous buildup of carbon monoxide within your home, make sure that outdoor vent openings and air intakes are not obstructed by snow or ice. Some direct-vent and high-efficiency equipment have outdoor vents and air intakes that are connected to the appliance and are directly located on the exterior wall of a home or business.

A temperature of 32° Fahrenheit (F) or below is too cold for any pet to tolerate. The physical stress of cold temperatures can make pets more susceptible to illness or infection. Don't forget the animals during a winter storm! Most animal deaths during a storm are caused by dehydration from frozen water.

• Provide outdoor dogs and cats with a dry, insulated pet house or shelter out of the wind. Staying warm demands extra calories, so increase your pet's food intake (particularly protein).
• Remove ice, salt and caked-on mud from your pet's paws and coat right away. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has frostbite. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray and it may be scaly or sloughing.
• Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze, but even a small amount can kill them.
• Don't use metal water dishes outside as your pet's tongue could stick to the frozen metal.
• Dogs confined to the house because of winter weather may lack proper exercise and suffer depression. Help by giving more attention and encouraging them to be active.

RELATED: Cold weather can be life-threatening for pets in Hampton Roads

13News Now will keep you #WeatherReady throughout the winter season. Be sure to watch on-air and online for constant updates whenever winter weather threatens.

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