National Weather Service / Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security

NEWS RELEASE

SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK

Introduction to Severe Weather Awareness Week

Media contacts:

National Weather Service, Mr. Paul Flatt, (208) 334-9861
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, Lt. Col. Tim Marsano, (208) 422-5268

Topic for Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004
Are you ready for winter weather?
 

A goal of the National Weather Service is to provide information on winter storms with enough advanced notice to allow the public and community leaders to take actions needed to prepare for and deal with adverse and sometimes dangerous weather conditions. As the threat of severe winter weather gets closer and the confidence in the location and timing of the event increases the National Weather Service will issue various bulletins that become increasingly more specific. Here is what they mean and what you should do:

Winter Storm Outlook - Issued for potential winter hazards which may develop in the next 3 to 7 days. It is intended to provide information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event. You should stay tuned to local media or NOAA Weather Radio for updates. Evaluate your emergency action plan and the resources you have in your home and car to deal with a winter storm.

Winter Storm Watch - Is used when the risk of hazardous winter weather has increased, but occurrence, location and timing is still somewhat uncertain. A watch is issued when there is a significant threat of severe winter weather in the next 12 to 48 hours. You should prepare now and assure that all emergency plans and resources are in place.

Winter Storm Warning - Is issued when a hazardous winter event is occurring, is imminent or has a very high probability of occurrence. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life and property. You should act now. Stay indoors if possible until the storm ends. Limit any travel to only what is essential.

Winter Weather Advisory - Is issued for less serious winter weather conditions that will cause significant inconvenience. If you are cautious, these situations should not be life threatening.
This week is Winter Weather Awareness Week.  Now is the time to get prepared for winter weather.  Public information statements will be issued throughout the week to give safety information, and help you know how to respond when winter weather threatens.
You may learn more from our internet preparedness web pages at
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/index.shtml
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/index.shtml
http://weather.gov/safety.php
http://www.bhs.idaho.gov/

This message is brought to you by your local National Weather Service staff and the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security.

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Lt. Col. Tim Marsano
State of Idaho Military Division /
Idaho National Guard
Public Affairs Officer
208.422.5268
DSN 422.5268