Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois

Much of our attention this week has been on last Sunday's tornadoes, but it's important to remember winter weather is just around the corner. That's why this week is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois.

The rest of this week, we'll be posting tips on how to protect yourself against potential hazards like blizzards and ice storms.


Step 1: BE PREPARED!

Having emergency kits for your home and car can go a long way if you find yourself in a bad situation. Here are some basics to get your kit started.

HOME - Non-perishable food and drinking water, weather radio, flashlights, batteries, extra medications, first aid kit. Don't forget warm clothing and extra blankets!

CAR - Extra clothing and blankets, jumper cables, sand or kitty litter and other tools to get your car out if it gets stuck in snow.

For more information on how to prepare for winter weather, go to www.ready.illinois.gov.

Step 2: KNOW THE TERMS

Just like severe weather in the summer, the National Weather Service issues watches and warnings to get the word out about severe winter weather. Here are some of the most basic terms and what they mean:

Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather is causing significant problems in the area, especially for drivers. Take some extra time if you're traveling to get where you need to go!

Winter Storm Watch - Severe winter weather will be possible in the next couple of days. This is the time to make sure you're prepared!

Winter Storm Warning - Severe winter weather is imminent and should affect you in the next 12-24 hours. It is recommended to stay inside and avoid traveling.

A worst case scenario for the Stateline would be a blizzard. Blizzards are less about snow and more about wind speeds. A Blizzard Warning is when sustained winds of 35mph or greater cause near zero visibility for three hours or more. Travel is typically impossible in these conditions.

We'll have more tips on how to prepare for severe winter weather on Thursday. Stay tuned! -BA