Although Hampton Roads doesn't experience the severe winter weather that occurs in other areas of the nation, we are still at risk of winter-related hazards. Heavy snowstorms can occur and "black ice" on our roadways can make for dangerous driving, especially by those who are not familiar with winter driving skills. Most deaths that are linked to winter storms are indirectly related to the actual weather events. People can get stranded in their cars, for example, and die of hypothermia . Others die in car accidents caused by poor driving conditions.

Some of the severe weather we can experience includes freezing rain, sleet, snow and subfreezing wind chill . Each of us needs to know how to protect ourselves and our families from winter-related risks. Individual planning for winter storms is a preparation measure that each person should perform.

Hampton Roads has experienced significant winter storms in the past. During the winter of 1995 - 96, several snow storms, one major ice storm, and below normal temperatures were experienced. Norfolk received 18.9 inches of snow, which was 10 inches above the seasonal norm (most of Hampton roads averages 8.3 inches of snow each winter.) The winter season traditionally runs from December to February, and while different weather types can occur snow and ice are the most notable events.

Some Characteristics of Winter Storms include:

• Strong Winds: Sometimes winter storms are accompanied by strong winds creating blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow, severe drifting, and dangerous wind chill. Strong winds with these intense storms and cold fronts can knock down trees, utility poles, and power lines. Storms near the coast can cause coastal flooding and beach erosion as well as sink ships at sea.

• Extreme Cold: Extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm or is left in its wake. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. Infants and elderly people are most susceptible. What constitutes extreme cold and its effect varies across different areas of the United States. In areas unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered "extreme cold." Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to vegetation. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat.

• Ice Storms: Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees, electrical wires, telephone poles and lines, and communication towers. Communications and power can be disrupted for days while utility companies work to repair the extensive damage. Even small accumulations of ice may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians.

• Heavy Snow Storms: Heavy snow can immobilize a region and paralyze a city, stranding commuters, stopping the flow of supplies, and disrupting emergency and medical services. Accumulations of snow can collapse buildings and knock down trees and power lines. In rural areas, homes and farms may be isolated for days, and unprotected livestock may be lost. In the mountains, heavy snow can lead to avalanches. The cost of snow removal, repairing damages, and loss of business can have large economic impacts on cities and towns.

• Nor'easter Storms: Nor'easters normally happen three to five times a year, and most often form between December and April, though several damaging storms have occured as early as October. A Noreaster is a strong coastal, extra-tropical storm, that develops off the eastern seabord of the Unted States and then moves notrheasterly along the coast. These storms cause strong northeasterly winds over coastal areas, and they may be accompanied by rain, heavy snow, and gale force (35-50 knots) to hurricane force (64+ knots) winds. Wind-driven waves batter the coast from Virginia to Maine, causing flooding and severe beach erosion.Nor'easters typically form just north of Cuba or over the Florida peninsula. Those that form north of Cuba tend to track slowly north while intensifying over the open ocean. Storms that form over the Florida peninsula track northeast and intensify over the Gulf Stream. In both cases, these intense low pressure systems move northeast along the eastern seabord and eventually into the open waters of the North Atlantic. The storm taps the Atlantic's moisture-supply and may dump heavy snows over a densely populated region. The snow and wind may combine into blizzard conditions and form deep drifts paralyzing the region. Ice storms are also a problem.

Besides rain, precipitation from winter storms may include:

• Snow: Snow forms with a cold air mass aloft that streaches down to the surface.
  
  
• Sleet: Sleet forms when snow falls through a layer of warm air and then refreezes in a layer of cold air just above the surface. The ice pellets formed can accumulate and cause problems for drivers. Many times, depending upon the temperature, sleet falls during a transition period before changing to snow or a cold rain .
  
  
• Freezing Rain: Freezing Rain forms when snow falls in a pocket of warm air and melts. The rain droplets are then colledto near freezing in a layer of cold air just above the surface and freeze as ice on contact.

Winter Weather Watches, Warnings and Advisories
What do they all Mean?

The National Weather Service uses specific winter weather terms to ensure that people know what to expect in the coming days and hours .

A Winter Storm Watch means that severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, may affect your area, but its occurrence, location and timing are still uncertain. A winter storm watch is issued to provide 12 to 36 hours notice of the possibility of severe winter weather. A winter storm watch is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set plans in motion can do so.

A watch is upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning when 4 or more inches of snow or sleet is expected in the next 12 hours, or 6 or more inches in 24 hours, or 1/4 inch or more of ice accretion is expected.

Winter Weather Advisories inform you that winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, advisory situations should not become life-threatening.

A Blizzard Warning means that snow and strong winds will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility), deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Be sure to listen carefully to the radio, television, and NOAA Weather Radio for the latest winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories.