What Makes a Winter Storm?
Cold Air
Below freezing temperatures in the clouds and near the ground are necessary to make snow and/or ice.
Moisture
To form clouds and precipitation. Air blowing across a body of water, such as a large lake or the ocean, is an
excellent source of moisture.
Lift
Something to raise the moist air to form the clouds and cause precipitation. An example of lift is warm air colliding
with cold air and being forced to rise over the cold dome. The boundary between the warm and cold air masses is called
a front. Another example of lift is air flowing up a mountain side.
WINTER STORMS ARE CONSIDERED DECEPTIVE KILLERS BECAUSE MOST DEATHS ARE INDIRECTLY RELATED TO THE STORM
- People die in traffic accidents on icy roads.
- People die of heart attacks while shoveling snow.
- People die of hypothermia from prolong exposure to cold.
Winter Deaths
Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. The actual threat to you depends on your specific situation.
Recent observations indicate the following:
Related to ice and snow:
- About 70% occur in automobiles.
- About 25% are people caught out in the storm.
- Majority are males over 40 years old.
Related to exposure to cold:
- 50% are people over 60 years old.
- Over 75% are males.
- About 20% occur in the home.
Return to Winter Storm Rules Page
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