South Carolina kicks off ‘Winter Weather Preparedness Week’ to ensure safe season

(WPDE) — The first full week of December, starting December 1, is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in South Carolina. This is a week dedicated to teaching and reminding South Carolinians of the various alerts issued regarding winter weather conditions, how to prepare, and what to do if hazardous winter conditions occur.

Before winter weather occurs, it’s recommended to have vehicles serviced to ensure they’re ready for winter, check and prepare chimneys and fireplaces for use, know where water valve shut-offs are located at home, and stock up on handy winter items (like a windshield scraper and a blanket to keep in the car).

Next, knowing what each winter alert is about from the National Weather Service will assist in knowing what to prepare for and when to plan. For example, the difference between a Winter Storm Watch and a Winter Storm Warning is defined below.

Other alerts include Winter Weather Advisories, Extreme Cold Watch, Extreme Cold Warnings, Blizzard Warnings, and Ice Storm Warnings.

A Winter Weather Advisory is issued ahead of any wintry conditions that may impact travel or society such as ice, sleet, or snow. An Extreme Cold Watch (previously known as Wind Chill Advisory) is issued when dangerously cold temperatures are expected in the next 12 to 48 hours. An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when extreme cold is expected (at or below five degrees Fahrenheit) that could result in hypothermia, frostbite, or death due to prolonged outdoor exposure.

A Blizzard Warning is issued when winds reach 35 miles per hour sustained or gusting with snowfall all ongoing for three or more hours. An Ice Storm Warning is issued when dangerous ice accumulations are anticipated in the next 12 to 48 hours.

However, dealing with ice, sleet, and snow is only part of the battle. On a clear and cold day, there is just as much to prepare for as there is in many other winter conditions.

Winter weather forecasting is also a hardship, especially in the Carolinas. A temperature of even a degree or two could mean a world of difference between a winter weather forecast and a rainy forecast.

Between one and three days out from a winter event, the forecast will be much more accurate and detailed as compared to a forecast five to seven days out from a potential event.

It’s also recommended to receive winter weather forecast information from reliable sources. Many social media accounts may post carefully chosen forecast model data nearly two weeks out from an event that is meant to garner attention rather than properly forecast.