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The only thing certain about Nebraska’s weather is its uncertainty and the same can sometimes be said for the seasons. No two Nebraska winters are alike, some relatively mild producing only a few significant snowfalls with snow cover not lingering more than a few days due to long breaks between cold snaps with temperatures lingering above the freezing mark.

Some winters are characterized by a steady stream of Gulf moisture interacting with an endless parade of storm systems that keep snow on the ground for long durations.

And then there are the winters that seem interminable, in which the “Siberian Express” runs overtime locking Nebraska in a polar deep freeze that can keep temperatures at or below zero for weeks on end, like the winter of 1983-84.

It’s rare that a Nebraska winter is ever dominated by just one of these elements but usually involves a complex combination of each in varying degrees. But through it all, the winter’s past do share one characteristic - a potential threat to personal safety that requires consideration and a course of action to ensure that you and your family are prepared to handle the dangers of the winter season.

Why Think & Prepare?

  • Major winter storms can last for days, producing bitterly cold temps, dangerous wind chills, heavy snowfall and ice
  • Each year fatalities due to exposure to the cold, traffic accidents on slick roads, fires due to improper use of heater all signify safety threats attributed to winter weather.
  • Hypothermia, frostbite which can lead to loss of extremities, tissue damage or even death You need to prepare properly to avoid extreme dangers.
  • People can become trapped (in their, cars, homes, etc...) Assistance may not be available.
  • Important to know how to handle the elements.
Injuries Due to Snow & Ice:

70% result from vehicle accidents
25% due to storm exposure

WINTER TERMS

Blizzard: Winds of 35 mph or more with snow and blowing snow reducing visibilities to less that ¼ mile for at least 3 hours

Blowing Snow: Wind driven snow that can reduce visibility and cause significant drifting. May be caused by falling snow or loose snow on the ground picked up by the wind.

Snow Showers: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time that can cause accumulations.

Snow Squalls: Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation can be heavy.

Sleet: Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets when reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting the ground and usually doesn’t stick to anything. May accumulate like snow causing a driving hazard.

Freezing Rain: Rain that falls on surfaces with a temperature below freezing causing it to stick on surfaces forming a coating or glaze of ice. Very dangerous.

FORECAST TERMS

Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter conditions such as heavy snow or ice are possible within the next 36-48 hours. Prepare now!

Winter Storm Warning: Winter storm conditions are beginning or about to begin within the next 24 hours. Stay indoors!

Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds will combine to produce blinding snow (reducing visibility to near zero) and dangerous wind chills. Seek shelter!

Advisories: Winter weather elements are to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, these conditions should not be life threatening. Greatest hazard is to motorists.

PREPARE BEFORE THE STORM

At Home & Work

Have available:
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Battery powered weather or portable radio
  • Extra medicine and baby items
  • Extra food and water (High energy foods like trail mix, candy)
  • First Aid Supplies
  • Heating Fuel
  • Emergency heating source: Fireplace, wood stove, space heater. Be sure to vent properly.
  • Fire extinguisher and smoke alarm.
Vehicles

Carry Survival Kit:
  • Mobile phone, charger, batteries
  • Blankets/sleeping bags
  • Flashlight/batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Knife
  • High calorie, non-perishable food
  • Extra clothing for staying dry
  • Shovel, windshield wiper and brush
  • Tool kit and tow rope
  • Booster cables
  • Empty can, candle and matches for melting snow for drinking water
  • Compass and road map
Keep gas tank full, avoid traveling alone, & tell someone your route and timetable.

COLD/WIND CHILL

Wind chill has to do with the rate of heat lost from exposed skin caused by the combined effects of wind and cold temperatures. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate driving the body temperature down. Wind chill also affects animals but does not affect inanimate objects such as cars or plants.

Prolonged exposure to extreme cold or dangerous wind chills can result in the following:

Frostbite is damage to body tissue. A wind chill of -20 degrees will cause frostbite if bare skin is exposed for 30 minutes. Symptoms include loss of feeling or a white or pale appearance in the extremities such as fingers, toes, nose or ear lobes. If symptoms are detected warm affected areas gradually.

Hypothermia is a condition where the body core temperature drops below 95 degrees. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and exhaustion.

What to do:
Warm the person slowly starting with the body core. Warming the arms and legs first can drive cold blood to the heart causing heart failure. Wrap the person in dry clothing and blankets, or use your body heat if necessary. Do not give the person, alcohol, drugs, or hot beverages.

Proper Winter Dress
  • Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothes such as wool or fleece in layers so you can peel off clothes to prevent getting overly hot and perspiring.
  • Wear synthetics next to the skin while avoiding cotton which absorbs perspiration creating a chill.
  • Outerwear should be breathable and water repellant, such as Gortex.
  • Wear a hat. Half of heat loss occurs from the head.
  • Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold.
  • Mittens are warmer than gloves
Winter Statistics:

 Annual Snowfall Chart

Wind Chill Chart


DOWNLOAD GUIDE

Download a copy of this guide in .pdf format to print out and keep handy during the winter season.
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