Snowed In: What You Really Need to Know About a Blizzard Warning

by

Table of Contents

There is this specific sound that happens right before a blizzard hits, you know? It’s not the loud crack of thunder or the rumble of a train. But there’s a catch.

It’s that sudden, sharp hush that falls over the neighborhood, followed by the wind starting to howl like it’s trying to rip the roof right off your house. And this is where things get interesting.

It sounds a little terrifying if you ask me.

It’s that feeling of being completely at the mercy of nature, which is exactly what a blizzard warning is all about.

We often just see the snow on the news, all fluffy and pretty, but the reality is way more intense than that.

It’s about wind, it’s about whiteouts, and it’s about safety. And this is where things get interesting.

So, let’s break down what you actually need to do when that amber alert goes out on your phone.

What is a Blizzard Warning?

It is important to understand that a blizzard warning isn’t just about the temperature dropping.

A lot of people think, “Oh, it’s cold and snowy, it’s a blizzard.” But that’s not quite right.

The National Weather Service has very specific criteria for this, and usually, it means we are in for a really bad time.

Basically, a blizzard warning is issued when heavy snow combined with strong winds is expected to cause severe blowing and drifting snow.

This creates near-zero visibility and life-threatening conditions for anyone caught outside.

The winds usually have to be sustained at 35 miles per hour or higher, and the visibility has to drop to a quarter-mile or less for at least three consecutive hours.

That means you literally can’t see your hand in front of your face.

But it’s not just about the visual chaos. Here’s the interesting part.

The wind chill factor plays a huge role here too.

You might be standing in a shelter, safe from the snow, but if that wind is whipping around at 40 mph, you are going to get frostbite pretty fast.

It creates this kind of wind chill where it feels like it’s fifty degrees below zero, even if the thermometer on the wall hasn’t dropped that low yet.

Honestly, it makes you appreciate central heating a lot more.

So, when you see that warning on the screen, take it seriously. Now think about that for a second.

It’s not a suggestion; it’s a mandate to stay put.

Watch vs.

Warning: What’s the Difference?

Okay, so there is a difference between a watch and a warning, and confusing the two can get you into trouble.

I’ve seen plenty of people pack up their winter gear for a watch only to find out it was just a dusting, and then there are the people who ignore the warning because they think it’s just hype. But there’s a catch.

It is really confusing sometimes.

A winter storm watch basically means conditions are favorable for a storm.

It’s like a heads-up.

It means there is a potential for a blizzard, but we aren’t 100% sure yet. Oddly enough,

You should keep an eye on the sky and maybe start thinking about your plans.

But a blizzard warning? That is the red alert.

This is when we are confident the storm is going to happen and we know exactly what kind of conditions we are facing. Here’s the interesting part.

We know the winds will be high and the snow will be deep.

If you see a warning on your phone, you should start preparing your home and gathering supplies immediately.

Don’t wait until the snow starts sticking to the ground to start loading up on milk and bread. But there’s a catch.

By the time the warning is issued, it’s usually too late to get to the grocery store.

The roads are going to be a mess anyway.

Preparing Your Home for the Storm

So, you’ve decided to hunker down.

Good call.

Preparing your home before the winds start whipping is the smartest thing you can do.

First off, check your windows.

If you have old, single-pane windows, they are going to get really cold.

You might want to cover them with plastic sheeting or tape to keep the draft out.

And while you are at it, make sure your insulation is up to snuff. But there’s a catch.

I know, it sounds like a lot of work, but if the power goes out, a well-insulated house will stay warmer a lot longer.

Make sure you have a way to generate heat if the electricity cuts out.

A fireplace or a wood stove is great, but make sure you have plenty of dry wood stacked up inside where it’s dry.

Don’t rely on a generator inside the house because of carbon monoxide risks; you need to run it outside.

If you don’t have a fireplace, maybe go check out some alternative heating sources just to be safe.

Also, remember to bring in any outdoor furniture or potted plants.

Those can turn into projectiles in high winds, which is the last thing you want to deal with when you are already freezing.

Car Kit Essentials You Can’t Forget

Even if you plan on staying inside, having a car kit is just a good idea.

I mean, what if you have to drive somewhere in an emergency? Or what if you get stranded on your way to the grocery store before the warning actually hits? You need to be ready.

I’m talking about the basics here.

You need a shovel, obviously, because you might get stuck in a drift.

You need a bag of sand or kitty litter to put under your tires for traction.

And a bag of rock salt to melt the ice if you can get to a patch of it.

  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Extra warm coats and hats
  • Non-perishable snacks like granola bars
  • Bottled water
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Flares or reflective triangles

And here is something a lot of people forget: a phone charger that you can plug into the cigarette lighter.

If the power is out, your phone is going to die fast, and you’re going to need it to call for help. Now think about that for a second.

I always keep a bag in the trunk just in case.

It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

You can find some great guides on building the perfect car emergency kit online if you aren’t sure what to include.

Driving in Whiteouts: What You Need to Know

Okay, let’s be real for a second.

Everyone thinks they are a good driver until they have to drive in a blizzard.

The visibility is so bad that it’s basically like driving through soup. Here’s the interesting part.

If you have to be on the road, you need to take it super slow.

I’m talking like ten miles an hour slow.

It’s going to make you late, but it’s better than ending up in a ditch.

Turn on your headlights, even during the day. Here’s the interesting part.

It helps other drivers see you, even if they can only see your lights for a split second.

And please, for the love of everything holy, keep your distance.

The stopping distance on icy roads is massive.

What would normally be a three-second gap needs to be ten or fifteen seconds.

And don’t use cruise control.

If your wheels start to slip, the cruise control will actually accelerate the car, pushing you deeper into the snow. Oddly enough,

It is a recipe for disaster.

If you do get stuck, stay with your car.

It’s warmer than being outside in the open air.

Put on your hazard lights and wait for help to come to you.

Handling Power Outages

Blizzards often bring down trees and power lines, especially if the wind is really strong.

So, the power is going to go out.

It’s inevitable.

When that happens, you need to stay warm without the heater. Now think about that for a second.

Layer up.

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised.

Put on a sweater, put on a hoodie, put on a coat.

If you have a sleeping bag, use it.

Don’t bundle up in bed and then try to read a book in the cold.

Keep the doors to the rooms you are using closed so you don’t lose heat to the rest of the house.

If you have a fireplace or a gas log burner, use that sparingly. Oddly enough,

You need oxygen, and carbon monoxide is a huge risk with gas appliances if there isn’t enough ventilation.

If you really get cold, you can try using your gas stove for heat, but you have to open a window slightly to get airflow.

And never, ever use a generator inside the garage.

That is how people die.

You can find some tips on keeping warm without power in our emergency preparedness section if you are feeling chilly.

When Should You Actually Leave?

This is the tough one.

Sometimes, even with a blizzard warning, you might need to evacuate. Here’s the interesting part.

Maybe you live in a flood-prone area, or maybe the road is collapsing.

But if you don’t have to go, stay put.

Hospitals and emergency services are going to be overwhelmed if everyone is driving around trying to get to safety.

If you do have to leave, tell someone where you are going and what your route is.

Let them know when you arrive.

Drive slowly and carefully.

Watch out for black ice, which is invisible. Oddly enough,

It looks like a wet patch on the road, but it’s actually a layer of ice that is really slick.

It can catch you off guard in an instant. Here’s the interesting part.

And be prepared for the roads to be closed.

They will close them for a reason.

There is no shame in turning your car around and going home.

Your life is worth more than getting to work on time.

Check the local news or weather apps for updates on road conditions and closures.

Ultimately, a blizzard warning is just a sign to slow down and take care of yourself and your family.

It’s a reminder to be patient and to respect the power of the storm.

It’s a bit scary, sure, but there is something kind of comforting about watching the snow fall from a window while you are warm and safe inside.

Just make sure you have enough snacks and a good book.

Maybe even a little fire going.

After all, you don’t want to be bored when you’re stuck inside.

Photo by pexels.com

Image source credit: pexels.com

Leave a Comment