As we head into a new week, temperatures are cooling a bit.  We’ll be breezy, with readings in the 50s vs. the 60s we enjoyed over the weekend!  Still right at, if not just above normal. 

Today, we have a *slight* chance of a spotty light shower.  The northern counties are more likely to see rain today.  Everyone sees rain chances increase for Tuesday and Wednesday, as a slow-moving storm gets closer.

Although wintry weather is not in the forecast this week, this is Winter Safety Awareness Week!  This week, I will be posting info on this event right here on the weather blog.  Why is this important?  Every year, dozens of people die due to exposure to cold.  Plus, we deal with vehicle fatalities because of wintry weather conditions… and, unfortunately, something we’ve already seen right here in the Miami Valley this year… house fires, as people try to heat their homes.

Remember back to the big wind storm a year ago?  We went for days–weeks–without power.  Luckily, the weather was fairly comfortable, so we didn’t freeze.  But imagine that happening in the winter!  Brrrrrr….

Today, we’ll discuss heavy snow and winter storms.  Awhile back, Carl Nichols posted a blog about the Blizzard of ‘78.  He talked about how the storm virtually paralyzed the local community for days.  Even if you are able to get out during or shortly after a snowstorm, there is no guarantee the stores will be open.  Big storms can even affect emergency and medical services.

Let’s go over some winter weather information new to the area this year.  The National Weather Service has changed it’s criteria for issuing Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories.  Here is the new criteria:

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Here are some other terms you may hear in the forecast throughout the winter months:

BLIZZARD:  Winds of 35 mph or more with snow or blowing snow reducing visibilities to less than 1/4 a mile for at least three hours.

BLOWING SNOW:  Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility.  Blowing snow may be falling and/or snow on the ground, being picked up by the wind.

SNOW SQUALLS: Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds.  Accumulation may be significant.

SNOW SHOWERS:  Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time.  Some accumulation is possible.

SNOW FLURRIES:  Light snow falling for short durations with little or no accumulation.

Regarding injuries due to ice and snow… about 70% of them result from vehicle accidents, and about 25% occur in people caught out in a storm.  Most happen to males over 40-years-old.

And the governor is reminding us that not only is there the threat of severe winter weather… but we also need to be aware of the H1N1 threat.  If we do have a huge snow storm, and someone in your house happens to get the flu, you’ll want to have all the necessary supplies on-hand.  This will help you avoid having to brave the storm for any needed supplies!

Jamie