National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Weather-Ready Nation

National Program

Spring 2019: Winter Social Media

Weather.gov > Weather-Ready Nation > Spring 2019: Winter Social Media

Back to Social Media

Social Media: Winter Storms
#WinterSafety

 

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.

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 #FrostScience: 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 #FrostScience: 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: http://www.noaa.gov/stories/how-do-snowflakes-form-science-behind-snow #SnowflakeScience

Twitter
Did you know that no two snowflakes are alike, but they are all 6-sided? http://www.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 #WinterSafety

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

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 Earth at a lower angle, which results in far lower temperatures here on Earth. Learn more at https://scijinks.gov/earths-seasons/ #WinterScience

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

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 #WinterSafety

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

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 comes every winter in at least part of the country and affects millions of people across the United States. 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 #WinterScience

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

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 this winter. Shoveling snow can be a health risk as well. Remember to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and only move small amounts with each shovel pass. Learn more at weather.gov/winter #WinterSafety

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

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. http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/winter/types/

Twitter
Will there be rain, ice or snow? Find out how wintry precipitation forms! http://www.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 #WinterSafety

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

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 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 Corridor” -- is especially impacted by Nor’easters. weather.gov/safety/winter-noreaster #WinterScience

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

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. http://www.weather.gov/jetstream/hydro #WinterScience

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

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. Protect yourself from the cold this winter at weather.gov/safety/cold #WinterSafety

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

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

 

Dressing for the Cold - Infographic

Facebook
Bundling up in layers and staying dry is one of the best things you can do to stay safe this winter. Protect yourself from the cold this winter. weather.gov/safety/cold #WinterSafety

Twitter
Bundling up in layers and staying dry is one of the best things you can do to stay safe this winter. weather.gov/safety/cold #WinterSafety

Dressing for the Cold - Infographic. Adding layers will help keep you warm as the temperature drops. Chilly: 1-2 layers; outer layer to keep out wind, rain; long layer on legs; warm shoes (water proof). Cold: 2-3 layers; warm hat; gloves; outer layer to keep out wind, wet snow; 1-2 long layers on legs; boots (water-proof). Extreme cold: 3+ layers (1 insulating); warm hat; face mask; gloves; outer layer to keep out wind; 2+ long layers on legs; boots (water proof).

 

Avalanche

Facebook
Before you hit the slopes, make sure check out http://www.avalanche.org/ for current and forecast snow conditions. You can also find avalanche safety tips at weather.gov/safety/winter-avalanche #WinterSafety

Twitter
Check out avalanche safety tips before you hit the slopes at weather.gov/safety/winter-avalanche #WinterSafety

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 #WinterSafety

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

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 #WinterSafety

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 #WinterSafety

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

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 #WinterSafety

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

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