Presented by VE3LXV .. 2003

Severe Storms

Winter Storms: Blizzards, Blowing Snow, Heavy Snow and Freezing Rain

Blizzards come in on a wave of cold Arctic air, bringing snow, bitter cold, high winds and poor visibility in blowing snow. While these conditions must last for at least six hours to be designated a blizzard, they may last for several days. The snowfall may not be heavy, but the poor visibility, low temperatures and high winds constitute a significant hazard.   Freezing rain occurs when the air in an upper–air layer has an above – freezing temperature while the temperature at the surface is below freezing. The snow that falls, melts in the warmer layer; as a result, it is rain – not snow – that lands on the surface. But since the temperature is below 0°C, rain drops freeze on contact and turn into a smooth layer of ice spreading on the ground or any other object like trees or power lines. More slippery than snow, freezing rain is tough and clings to everything it touches. A little of it is dangerous, a lot can be catastrophic.   In Canada, blizzards are most common in the Prairies, and the eastern Arctic. Heavy snowfalls are most common in British Columbia, areas around the Great Lakes, southern and eastern Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces. Freezing rain can occur pretty much anywhere in the country, but is particularly common from Ontario to Newfoundland.   On average, the storms and cold of winter kill more than 100 people every year. That is more than the total number of people killed by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, lightning, and extreme heat.

AT HOME

If you live in a community located in one of the areas where blizzards or heavy snows are frequent, you may want to consider stocking up on heating fuel, ready–to–eat food as well as battery–powered flashlights and radios – and extra batteries. When freezing rain, heavy snow, blowing snow or a blizzard is forecast, leave your radio on to stay informed of the situation and hear updated forecasts. If a blizzard or heavy blowing snow is forecast and if you are on a farm with livestock, bring the animals into the barn. Make sure they have plenty of water and food. You may also want to string a lifeline between your house and any outbuildings which you may have to go to during the storm. When a winter storm hits, stay indoors. If you must go to the outbuildings, dress for the weather. Outer clothing should be tightly woven and water–repellent. The jacket should have a hood. Wear mittens – they are warmer than gloves – and a hat, as most body heat is lost through the head. In wide open areas, visibility can be virtually zero during heavy blowing snow or a blizzard. You may easily lose your way. If a blizzard strikes, do not try to walk to another building unless there is a rope to guide you or something you can follow. Ice from freezing rain accumulates on branches, power lines and buildings. If you must go outside when an important accumulation of ice has already occurred, pay attention to branches or wires that could break due to the weight of the ice and fall on you. Ice sheets could also do the same. Above all, do not touch power lines: a hanging power line could be charged (live) and you would run the risk of electrocution. Remember also that ice, branches or power lines can continue to break and fall for several hours after the end of the precipitation, so be vigilant.   Finally, if the power has been off for several hours, check the food in the refrigerator and freezer to check if it has spoiled.   For other advice and tricks to prepare for power failures, consult the mini-guide for dealing with winter power outages ( prepared in cooperation with Hydro - Québec ), also available on the Web at: http://www.safeguard.ca/english/publications /winpower.html

IN YOUR CAR

As a rule, it is a good idea to keep your gas tank almost full during the winter and to have extra windshield washer fluid and anti-freeze on hand. You may want to put together two small emergency kits - one to put in the trunk of your car and the other in the cab of the car.   The trunk kit should include: shovel, sand, or salt, kitty litter or other traction aids tow chain and booster cables fire extinguisher, warning light or flares extra clothing, including mittens, hats and boots.   The kit in the cab of the car should include: flashlight blanket first-aid kit matches, candles (in a deep can to warm hands or heat a drink) and emergency food pack.   If you do not already have a cellular telephone and if the cellular network works in your area, you may want to consider having one in your car for emergencies.   Remember that freezing rain, even just a little freezing rain, can make roads extremely slippery. It is therefore not recommended to drive when freezing rain is forecast, as well as for several hours after freezing rain ends, so that road maintenance crews have enough time to spread sand or salt on icy roads.   If you must travel during a winter storm, do so during the day and let someone know your route and arrival time.   If your car gets stuck in a blizzard or snow storm, remain calm and stay in your car. Keep fresh air in your car by opening the window slightly on the sheltered side - away from the wind. You can run the car engine about 10 minutes every half hour if the exhaust system is working well. Beware of exhaust fumes and check the exhaust pipe periodically to make sure it is not blocked with snow. ( Remember - you can’t smell potentially fatal carbon monoxide fumes. )   Finally, to keep your hands and feet warm exercise them periodically. In general, it is a good idea to keep moving to avoid falling asleep. If you do try to shovel the snow from around your car avoid over-exerting yourself as shovelling and bitter cold can kill. Keep watch for traffic or searchers.