National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Weather-Ready Nation

National Program

Social Media: Winter Weather

Weather.gov > Weather-Ready Nation > Social Media: Winter Weather

Back to Social Media

Social Media: Winter Storms
#WeatherReady

 

Please help the National Weather Service spread these important safety messages on social media! Everyone is welcome to use the text and images provided below to help the NWS build a Weather-Ready Nation.

Small Decisions: First Snow

Facebook
Sometimes, late fall snow storms can be deadlier than expected. The small decisions you make when encountering even light snow can save your life, especially when it comes to being behind the wheel. Small decisions like choosing to stay off the road if possible, or slowing down, and increasing the distance between vehicles, could end up having a big impact. weather.gov/safety/winter

Twitter
Sometimes, late fall snow storms can be deadlier than expected. The small decisions you make when encountering even light snow can save your life, especially when it comes to being behind the wheel. weather.gov/safety/winter #WeatherReady

Small Decisions can have a big impact: First Snow. 1) Stay off the road during snow. 2) If you must drive, slow down, don't use cruise control, and increase distance between vehicles. 3) Have an emergency kit in your car. Don't let a bad decision be your last.

 

Lake Effect Snow

Facebook
Lake Effect snow occurs when cold air moves across warmer water. Warmth and moisture rise into the air, condensing into clouds that can produce 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more. Learn more weather science at weather.gov/jetstream

Twitter
Lake Effect snow occurs when cold air moves across warmer water. Warmth and moisture rise into the air, condensing into clouds that can produce 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more. Learn more weather science at weather.gov/jetstream

What is lake effect snow? Lake effect snow occurs when cold air, often originating from Canada, moves across the open waters. As the cold air passes over the unfrozen and relatively warm waters, warmth and moisture are transferred into the lowest portion of the atmosphere. The air rises and clouds form and grow into narrows bands that produce 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more.

 

Safety on Ice

Facebook
Ice is never completely safe. Know how thick the ice is, and stay away from any cracks or melting ice. If you don’t know, don’t go! weather.gov/safety/winter

Twitter
Ice is never completely safe. Know how thick the ice is, and stay away from any cracks or melting ice. If you don’t know, don’t go! weather.gov/safety/winter #WeatherReady

Safety On Ice: Ice is never 100% safe. If you don't know, don't go! Minimum ice thickness guidelines for new, clear ice only: Less than 2 inches: stay off! 4 inches: supports ice fishing and walking. 5 inches: supports small groups ice skating. 6 inches: supports snow mobile ATV. 9 inches: supports cars. 12 inches: supports medium size trucks. Stay away from any cracks and melting ice.

 

What's a Blizzard?

Facebook
Did you know not all blizzards involve falling snow? By definition, a blizzard includes 35+ mph winds that cause blowing snow, reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for at least 3 hours. If the visibility reduction comes from snow that has already fallen, it is called a ground blizzard. Whether or not the snow falls during the time of the blizzard, dangerous conditions can result. Make sure you’re prepared! weather.gov/winter

Twitter
Did you know that not all blizzards involve falling snow? Whether or not the snow falls during the blizzard, dangerous conditions can result. weather.gov/winter Be #WeatherReady!

What's a Blizzard? Blowing snow, 35+ mph winds, less than 1/4 mile visibility, for 3+ hours. Did you know that falling snow isn't necessary for a blizzard? A blizzard that results from previously fallend snow is called a ground blizzard.

 

Upslope Snow

Facebook
Have you wondered why the windward side of mountains or large hills receives so much more snow than surrounding areas? This is due to upslope snow. When moist wind blows against the side of mountains/hills, the air is forced to rise (called orographic lift). As the air rises and cools, water vapor condenses, resulting in clouds and precipitation over the windward region. Conversely, the leeward side often receives less snow due to descending air.

Twitter
Why does the windward side of mountains or large hills receive so much more snow than surrounding areas? It’s because of the upslope effect. When you’re in one of these windward areas, make sure you’re #WeatherReady

Upslope Snow: 1) When wind blows against mountains or hills, it is forced to rise. This is called orographic lift. 2) As moist air rises and cools, water vapor condenses, resulting in clouds and precipitation. 3) This results in the windward sides of mountains and hills receiving more snow than surrounding areas in the winter.

 

Science of Frost Formation (Video)

Facebook
Frost can be annoying to scrape off your car, but did you ever think about how it got there? Watch this video for a little frost science: youtu.be/HBn1oSWu2nE

Twitter
Frost can be annoying to scrape off your car, but did you ever think about how it got there? Watch this video for a little frost science: youtu.be/HBn1oSWu2nE

 

Science of Snowflakes

Facebook
Did you know that while no two snowflakes are exactly the same, they are all six-sided? Snowflakes’ hexagonal shapes are due to the molecular structure of ice. Learn more about the science behind snowflakes: noaa.gov/stories/how-do-snowflakes-form-science-behind-snow

Twitter
Did you know that no two snowflakes are alike, but they are all 6-sided? noaa.gov/stories/how-do-snowflakes-form-science-behind-snow #SnowflakeScience

Science of Snowflakes: No two snowflakes are the same, but they are all six-sided. Their shapes are due to the molecular structure of ice.

 

Winter Driving

Facebook
Winter driving can be hazardous. One simple way to keep yourself and everyone on the road safe is to slow down. Remember, “Ice and snow, take it slow”. Learn more at weather.gov/winter

Twitter
Do your part to keep everyone safe on the roads this winter. Learn more at weather.gov/winter #WeatherReady

Ice and Snow, Take it Slow. 70% of snow and ice-related injuries occur in automobiles. Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.

 

What Causes Winter?

Facebook
Did you know that in the northern hemisphere, winter actually occurs when the Earth is closest to the Sun? This is possible because of the way the Earth tilts on its axis. During winter, the northern hemisphere is tilting away from the Sun, causing the Sun’s rays to hit the northern hemisphere at a lower angle, which results in far lower temperatures. Learn more at scijinks.gov/earths-seasons/

Twitter
In the northern hemisphere, winter actually occurs when the Earth is closest to the Sun. Learn more scijinks.gov/earths-seasons/

What Causes Winter? In the northern hemisphere, winter actually occurs when the Earth is closest to the Sun. This is because the northern hemisphere is tilting on its axis away from the Sun.

 

Winter and Pets

Facebook
Don't forget about your pets this winter! Make sure they have a warm, dry place to rest with plenty of food and water. weather.gov/winter

Twitter
You love your pets, so keep them warm, dry, and well-fed this winter. weather.gov/winter #WeatherReady

Don't forget your pets - bring them indoors. Make sure they have a warm dry place with plenty of food and water.

 

Science of Wind Chill

Facebook
Extremely cold air affects millions of people across the United States every winter, and even into parts of the spring. This Arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values, which can cause your body to lose heat quickly. weather.gov/safety/cold-wind-chill-chart

Twitter
Arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values. weather.gov/safety/cold-wind-chill-chart

Infographic - The Science of Wind Chill. The average temperature of the human body is 98.6 degrees fahrenheit. Under calm conditions, the body radiates heat, creating a layer of warmth between or skin and the cold surroundings. But when it's windy, the moving air breaks up this insulating layer. It speeds up heat loss by whisking away the warmth from our skin. Hypothermia begins when our body temperature drops two to four degrees.

 

Winter Injuries and Fatalities

Facebook
Slippery sidewalks and roads aren’t the only things to look out for in late winter and early spring snow storms. Shoveling snow can be a health risk as well. Remember to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and move only small amounts with each shovel pass. Learn more at weather.gov/winter

Twitter
Shoveling snow can be a health risk, so remember to take it easy. Learn more at weather.gov/winter #WeatherReady

Shovel smart! Shoveling heavy, wet snow can put a big strain on the heart. Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. Only move small amounts with each shovel pass.

 

Winter Precipitation

Facebook
Will there be rain, ice or snow? This graphic explains how having different layers of warm and cold air between the clouds and the ground determines the type of precipitation that hits the ground. nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/winter/types/

Twitter
Will there be rain, ice or snow? Find out how wintry precipitation forms! nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/winter/types/

Winter Precipitation Infographic

 

Nor’easter

Facebook
Nor’easters impact millions of people in the eastern U.S. with heavy snow and strong winds. What will you do if one approaches your region? weather.gov/safety/winter-noreaster

Twitter
Nor’easters impact millions in the eastern U.S. with heavy #snow and strong winds. Are you prepared? weather.gov/safety/winter-noreaster #WeatherReady

Be ready for Nor'easters. Check your forecast from a trusted source. Purchase a shovel and snow-melting material. Fill up your car's gas tank.

 

Winter’s Fury: Nor’easters

Facebook
Not many winter storms have the potential to bury 100 million people in 1-2 feet of snow in a single day. Nor’easters are notorious for packing strong winds and copious amounts of moisture they get from the Atlantic. The heavily populated region between Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston -- the “I-95 Corridor” -- is especially impacted by Nor’easters. weather.gov/safety/winter-noreaster

Twitter
Nor’easters are notorious for big wind and copious amounts of moisture they get from the Atlantic. weather.gov/safety/winter-noreaster #WeatherReady

Winter’s Fury - Nor’easters: Not many winter storms have the potential to bury 100 million people in 1-2 feet of snow in a single day. Nor'easters are notorious for packing big wind and copious amounts of moisture they get from the Atlantic. The heavily populated region between Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Boston, the 'I-95 Corrdior', is epsecially impacted by Nor'easters.

 

Snow Water Cycle

Facebook
During winter months, falling snow serves as an important source of fresh water across the world. When spring arrives, melting snow helps replenish rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The melting snow adds much-needed moisture to the soil and helps refill underground aquifers, which are vital for growing crops and for drinking water. weather.gov/jetstream/hydro

Twitter
During winter months, falling snow serves as an important source of fresh water. weather.gov/jetstream/hydro

Snow Water Cycle: The hydrologic cycle involves the continuous circulation of water in the Earth-Atmosphere system. At its core, the water cycle is the motion of the water from the ground to the atmosphere and back again. During the winter months, falling snow serves as an important source of fresh water across the world. When spring arrives, melting snow helps replenish rivers, lakes and reservoirs. The melting snow adds much needed moisture to the soil and helps refill underground aquifers, which are vital for growing crops and for drinking water.

 

Hypothermia Infographic

Facebook
If you notice someone exhibiting warning signs of hypothermia, get them to a warm place right away. Learn how to protect yourself from the cold at weather.gov/safety/cold

Twitter
Do you know the signs of hypothermia? weather.gov/safety/cold #WeatherReady

Warnings signs of hypothermia: confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, stiff muscles.

 

Avalanche

Facebook
Before you hit the slopes, make sure to check out avalanche safety tips at weather.gov/safety/winter-avalanche

Twitter
Before you hit the slopes, make sure to check out avalanche safety tips at weather.gov/safety/winter-avalanche #WeatherReady

Avalanches can be deadly. 90% of all avalanche incidents are triggered by people. Check out the snowpack conditions before traveling into the backcountry.

 

Cold Weather

Facebook
Cold weather can be life-threatening. If you can’t avoid being outside, remember to follow these 3 steps and tell someone where you’re going. weather.gov/safety/cold

Twitter
Cold weather can be life-threatening, so follow these 3 steps and tell someone where you’re going. weather.gov/safety/cold #WeatherReady

Cold w3eather safety tips: 1) Dress in layers. 2) Cover exposed skin. 3) Limit time outside

 

Ice Storms

Facebook
If it’s icy outside, STAY INSIDE, don’t slip and slide! Check out more tips on how to weather the storm at weather.gov/winter

Twitter
If it’s icy outside, STAY INSIDE, don’t slip & slide! See more tips on how to weather the storm at weather.gov/winter #WeatherReady

Ice storms can leave you in the dark. Power outages can last several days. Ice weighs down trees and powerlines, causing them to fall. Make an emergency supply kit before the storm hits.

Winter Storm Advisory, Watch, and Warning

Facebook
Do you know the difference between a Winter Storm Watch, Winter Storm Warning, and a Winter Weather Advisory? When a warning is issued: TAKE ACTION! When a watch is issued: Get Prepared! When an advisory is issued: Take Precautions! Find out more at: weather.gov/safety/winter-ww

Twitter
What’s the difference between a Winter Storm Watch and a Winter Storm Warning? weather.gov/safety/winter-ww #WeatherReady

Winter Storm Products: 1) Winter Storm Warning: Snow, sleet or ice expected! Take Action! Confidence is high that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause signficiant impacts. 2) Winter Storm Watch - Snow, sleet, or ice possible! Be prepared. Confidence is medium that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain and cause significant impacts. 3) Winter Storm Advisory - Wintry weather expected. Exercise caution. Light amounts of wintry precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions and could affect travel if precautions are not taken.

 

Black Ice

Facebook:
Black ice is difficult to see and makes roads very slippery, especially on bridges and overpasses. Please drive slowly. weather.gov/winter

Twitter:
Black ice is difficult to see and makes roads very slippery, especially on bridges and overpasses. weather.gov/winter #WeatherReady

Please Drive Slowly. Black Ice is difficult to see and makes roads very slippery, especially bridges and overpasses.