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Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Regions of Alaska, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota and North Dakota typically experience the coldest winters in the U.S. But winter weather can be extreme and unpredictable no matter where you live in the country. Even mild climates can be battered by ice storms, and those accustomed to cold can have record-breaking snowfall and sub-zero freezes when least expected. Winter storms can bring fierce winds, creating blizzard conditions with blinding snow and dangerous wind chill.
Exposure to extreme cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia. Ice storms can bring down trees, telephone lines and electrical wires, causing power outages. Heavy snow can shut down entire towns, stranding commuters and disrupting emergency and medical services.
Stock up on supplies like rock salt (for melting ice) and sand (for traction) well in advance of the first forecasted storm of the season. Insulate pipes, store a large supply of firewood (in case you lose power or run out of fuel), and always keep a special Car Emergency Kit in your vehicle with specific supplies in the case of a breakdown in winter weather. Dress warm at all times and learn to recognize the signs of frostbite and hypothermia-in yourself and in others.
Download Winter Storms Extreme Cold Checklist (pdf)
- www.Ready.gov: Winter Storms
- Fema Kids: Winter Storms
- Red Cross: Preparing for Winter Storms
- National Weather Service Winter Storm Information
States affected:
Alaska
Colorado
Connecticut
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming