A blizzard is a winter storm during which snow is blown by sustained winds of 35 mph, greatly reducing visibility. A blizzard will reduce visibility to less than one-fourth mile for three hours or more.

Take action! A blizzard is expected or occurring.
A blizzard will occur within 12 to 48 hours.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Check supplies, food, and water, and make a plan to use these supplies for at least 3 days.
• Limit your time outside and wear warm clothes.
• Prepare for power outages and have a plan in case you lose heat.

There is no Blizzard Watch. Pay attention to Winter Storm Watches, which may alert you to blizzard conditions.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Put an emergency kit in your car.
• Stay off the roads.

Extreme or excessive heat (sometimes called a “heat wave”) is a period of abnormally hot weather that lasts more than two days. Heat waves can occur with or without high humidity.

Be prepared! Dangerous high temperatures
and/or humidities are possible. Extreme heat may occur within the next 24 to 72 hours.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Check on family members and friends to make sure they have a plan to stay cool.
• Learn the signs of heat-related illness.
• Prepare your home to keep heat out.
• Wear light, loose clothing.
• Avoid high-energy outdoor activities & Drink fluids.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Look before you lock. Do not leave people or
  pets in closed cars

Take action! Dangerous high temperatures
and/or humidities are occurring or about
to occur. Extreme heat is occurring or will
occur within the next 12 hours.

• If You Get this Alert at Home:
• Cool down. Use air conditioning.
• Find shade if outside.
• Watch for signs of heat-related illness.
• Wear light, loose clothing.
• Avoid high-energy outdoor activities & Drink fluids.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Look before you lock. Do not leave people or
  pets in closed cars

Extreme wind is wind greater than 115 mph and may signal that hurricane winds may begin shortly.

Take action! Dangerously strong winds are occurring and sustained hurricane winds may occur. Extreme wind is occurring or will occur within 1 hour.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Follow your emergency plan.
• Go to your safe shelter or small, interior, windowless room.
• Stay in the safe shelter and do not go into the calm of the hurricane eye.
• Take cover now. Use your arms to protect your
  head and neck.
• Extreme wind is wind greater than 115 mph and may signal that hurricane winds may begin shortly.

Please note:
There is no Extreme Wind Watch.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Slow down! Pull aside; stay alive! Move to the road’s shoulder, turn on the car’s hazard lights, and stay in the car.
• Be cautious if driving in or near high-profile vehicles, which may be pushed by wind.

A flash flood is a damaging and life-threatening, rapid rise of water into an area that’s normally dry. A flash flood may occur within minutes to hours after an event like intense rainfall or dam failure.

Take action! A dangerous, life-threatening flood is occurring or about to occur. A flash flood is occurring or about to occur.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Move to higher ground immediately if in a flood-prone area.
• Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
• Protect property only if it is safe to do so.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Turn Around Don’t Drown® Do not drive through flood waters.
• Avoid flood waters.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

Be prepared! There is a possibility of a flash flood.
A flash flood may occur within the next several hours or days.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Know your risk. Move to higher ground if in a flood-prone area.
• Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
• Protect your property if you have time and are staying in place.
• Put important documents in a waterproof container.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Turn Around Don’t Drown® Do not drive through flood waters.
• Avoid flood waters.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may last days or weeks.

Be prepared! There is a possibility of flooding.
Flooding may occur within the next 6 to 48 hours.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Know your risk. Move to higher ground if in a flood-prone area.
• Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
• Protect your property if you have time and are staying in place.
• Put important documents in a waterproof container.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Do not drive through flood waters.
• Avoid flood waters.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

Take action! Flooding is occurring or about to occur.
Flooding is occurring or about to occur.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Know your risk.
• Move to higher ground if in a flood-prone area.
• Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
• Protect your property if you have time and are staying in place.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Do not drive through flood waters.
• Avoid flood waters.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

A high wind event typically occurs when there are sustained winds of 40 mph or higher for one hour or more, or when there are wind gusts of 58 mph or higher for any duration.

Be prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible.
A high wind event may occur within the next 12 to 48 hours.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Review your emergency plan.
• Be prepared to go to your safe shelter or small, interior, windowless room on the building’s lowest level.
• Protect your property. Put away or tie down loose outdoor furniture and objects.
• Prepare for power outages.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Delay or adjust travel plans.

Take action! Sustained, strong winds are occurring or about to occur. A high wind event may be occurring or about to occur and may last up to 12 hours or more.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Go to a safe, sturdy location and stay away from windows.
• Stay away from trees and power lines.
  Take cover. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Prepare for power outages.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Stay off the roads.
• Slow down and watch for flying debris, downed power lines, and branches.
• Be cautious if driving in or near high-profile vehicles, which may be pushed by wind.

A hurricane (called a “typhoon” in the Western Pacific) is
a storm system that forms over warm ocean waters and
can cause strong winds, heavy rains, and both coastal and inland flooding.

There is a possibility of hurricane conditions within the next several days. Hurricane-force winds are possible in the next 48 hours.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Know your area’s risk and whether you live in an evacuation zone.
• Follow your emergency plan.
• Check supplies, food, and water, and make a
  plan to use these supplies for at least 3 days.
• Protect your property and gather important
  documents.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Do not drive through flood waters.
• Do not drive around barricades.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

Take action! Hurricane conditions are expected within the next several days. Hurricane-force winds are
expected in the next 36 hours.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
• Follow instructions from local officials.
• Follow your emergency plan.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Do not drive through flood waters.
• Do not drive around barricades.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

An ice storm occurs when significant ice accumulation causes dangerous travel conditions and damage to trees and power lines resulting in power outages.

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• Take Action! An Ice Storm Warning means significant ice accumulation is occurring or expected and will create dangerous travel conditions and widespread hazards. Ice storms can lead to downed trees and power lines, extended power outages, and extremely slippery roads and walkways. Warnings are typically issued 12 to 48 hours in advance when confidence is high that dangerous icing will occur. Take action immediately to protect life, property, and critical needs.
• Ice storms often cause long-lasting power outages, blocked roads, and hazardous conditions that can persist for days. Preparation and community awareness are critical to reducing injuries and ensuring everyone stays safe.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Stay informed.
  • Monitor weather forecasts and official emergency updates closely. Ice storm impacts can escalate quickly, especially if power outages occur.
• Prepare for extended power outages.
  • Ice accumulation can damage trees and power lines. Charge phones and battery packs, and have flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio ready. Avoid candles when possible.
• Ensure safe heating.
  • Make sure your primary heat source is working properly. If using alternative heat sources, follow all safety instructions and ensure proper ventilation. Never use grills, camp stoves, or generators indoors.
• Stock essential supplies.
  • Have enough food, water, medications, and medical supplies to last at least 72 hours, preferably longer. Choose foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration.
• Protect pipes and your home.
  • Insulate exposed pipes, allow faucets to drip if temperatures drop, and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate.
• Avoid outdoor hazards.
  • Stay away from downed trees and power lines. Assume all downed lines are energized and report them to authorities.
• Take care of pets.
  • Bring pets indoors whenever possible. Ensure they have warm shelter, food, water, and any needed medications. Avoid walking pets on icy surfaces where falls are likely, and wipe paws after outdoor exposure.
• Check on vulnerable individuals.
  • Contact elderly neighbors, people with disabilities, those with medical needs, or anyone who may need assistance during prolonged outages or cold conditions. Do not assume someone else has already checked.
• Limit travel and outdoor exposure.
  • Ice storms create some of the most dangerous conditions for walking and driving. Stay indoors if possible and avoid unnecessary trips.
  • Use extreme caution when walking outdoors. Some areas may look like there is no ice but in fact there is.
• Have the right ice-melting materials on hand to help keep sidewalks, driveways, and walkways safe while minimizing damage to pavement, vehicles, landscaping, and the environment.
  • Calcium Chloride
    • Calcium chloride is one of the most effective ice-melting materials available. It works quickly and remains effective in extremely cold temperatures, even below zero. Because it generates heat as it dissolves, it melts ice faster than most alternatives. However, it can be more expensive and may irritate skin or damage vegetation if overused.
  • Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt)
    • Rock salt is widely available and relatively inexpensive. It is effective in milder winter conditions but becomes much less effective at temperatures below approximately 15–20 degrees Fahrenheit. Rock salt can contribute to corrosion of vehicles and infrastructure and may harm grass, plants, and pets when used excessively.
  • Magnesium Chloride
    • Magnesium chloride performs well in colder temperatures and is generally less damaging to concrete and vegetation than rock salt. It acts quickly and requires less material to be effective. While typically more expensive than rock salt, it offers a good balance between performance and reduced environmental impact.
  • Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)
    • CMA is considered a more environmentally friendly option. It causes minimal corrosion to metal and is gentler on concrete and landscaping. However, it is less effective in very cold temperatures and is typically more costly than traditional salts.
  • Potassium Chloride
    • Potassium chloride is often marketed as a plant-friendly alternative. It works best in milder conditions and is less effective in extreme cold. It is generally more expensive and is best used for light icing situations.
  • Traction-Only Alternatives
    • Sand or Kitty Litter
      • While sand and kitty litter do not melt ice, they can significantly improve traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls. These materials are especially useful on steps, slopes, and high-traffic areas.
    • Environmentally Conscious Options
      • Some communities use liquid brines or blends that include beet juice to reduce overall salt usage. These products can be effective at lower temperatures and help limit environmental impacts when applied properly.
    • Safety and Application Tips
      • Apply ice-melting materials sparingly; more is not better.
      • Applying materials before a storm can help prevent ice from bonding to surfaces.
      • Sweep up excess material after ice melts to protect nearby grass, soil, and waterways.
      • Consider combining ice-melting products with traction materials in high-risk areas.
      • Pet owners should choose products labeled as pet-safe and wipe pets’ paws after walks.

Please note:
There is no Ice Storm Watch. Pay attention to Winter Storm Watches, which may alert you to ice storm conditions.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Avoid travel if possible.
  • Ice storms can make roads impassable, even for emergency vehicles. If you have not yet left, postpone travel until conditions improve.
• If travel is unavoidable, drive with extreme caution.
  • Reduce speed significantly, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or turns. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads are especially hazardous.
• Prepare your vehicle.
  • Ensure your gas tank is at least half full. Clear all ice and snow from windows, mirrors, headlights, and the roof before driving.
• Carry an emergency vehicle kit.
  • Include blankets, warm clothing, flashlight, phone charger, food, water, medications, ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, and traction material such as sand or kitty litter.
• Be prepared if stranded.
  • If you become stuck, remain in your vehicle unless help is clearly visible nearby. Turn on hazard lights and call for assistance.
• Run your engine safely.
  • Run the engine periodically for warmth, ensuring the exhaust pipe remains clear of ice and snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
• Let someone know your plans.
  • Share your route and expected arrival time before traveling during an ice storm.

A nuclear explosion emits dangerous radiation and fallout. Fallout is most dangerous in the first few hours after the detonation. After an explosion, it will take 10 to 15 minutes before fallout begins to arrive

Take action! A nuclear explosion is occurring or is about to occur. A nuclear explosion may occur with
little to no warning.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Get inside and go to the basement or middle of the building. Stay away from windows.
• Stay inside for 24 hours unless local officials provide other instructions.
• Use your emergency supplies, food, and
  water.
• Do not consume foods or liquids that were outside and uncovered.
• Remove contaminated clothing and wipe off exposed skin.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Get inside. Vehicles will not provide adequate
  protection.
• Go to the basement or middle of the
  building. Stay away from windows

Please note:
There is no Nuclear Explosion Watch.

Stay Safe! Power outages during winter storms can last for hours or even days. Taking the right steps can help keep you safe and reduce risks to your home and family.

• Stay informed.
  • Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, mobile alerts, or official emergency channels for updates. Avoid relying on a single source of information.
• Use lighting safely.
  • Use flashlights instead of candles whenever possible to reduce fire risk. Keep extra batteries readily available.
• Maintain safe heating practices.
  • Use only approved heating devices and follow manufacturer instructions. Never use grills, camp stoves, ovens, or generators indoors or in enclosed spaces. Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are working.
• Conserve heat.
  • Close doors to unused rooms, cover windows, and dress in layers. Use blankets and sleeping bags to stay warm.
• Protect food safety.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Refrigerated food is generally safe for up to 4 hours; frozen food may last 24–48 hours if the freezer remains closed.
• Limit generator use hazards.
  • If using a generator, operate it outdoors only, far away from windows, doors, and vents. Never connect a generator directly to home wiring unless a transfer switch is installed by a qualified electrician.
• Check on others.
  • Reach out to elderly neighbors, people with disabilities, or anyone with medical needs who may require assistance during an outage.
• Use phones wisely.
  • Conserve battery power by limiting non-essential use. Text messages may go through more easily than phone calls when networks are congested.

A severe thunderstorm is a dangerous storm that includes lightning.

Be prepared! There is a possibility of severe thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm watch typically lasts 4 to 8 hours.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a place to shelter.
• Secure outside furniture and property.
• Unplug appliances.
• Prepare for a power outage.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Stay in your car if you cannot go indoors.
• Do not drive through flood waters.
• Avoid touching metal surfaces in the car.

Take action! Severe weather is happening. There may be considerable or destructive damage.
A severe thunderstorm warning typically lasts 1 hour.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a place to shelter.
• Avoid using running water or landline phones.
• Unplug appliances.
• Avoid isolated trees, concrete, and metal that lightning could hit.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Stay in your car.
• Do not drive through flood waters.
• Avoid touching metal surfaces in the car.

A snow squall is a 30- to 60-minute storm that brings whiteout conditions. Snow and gusty winds may cause low visibility and icy roads, making driving dangerous.

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends  from a thunderstorm t o the ground. Most tornadoes last less than 10 minutes.

Be prepared! There is the potential that a tornado will develop. A tornado may occur within the next 2 to 4 hours.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Review your emergency plan.
• Check on family members and friends to make sure they have a plan.
• Be prepared to go to your safe shelter.

Take action! A tornado is occurring or about to occur in the area or nearby.  A tornado may occur within the
next few minutes to half hour.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Go to your safe shelter immediately.
• Go to a sturdy building or small, interior, windowless room on the building’s lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls.
• Take cover. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• If you cannot go to a safe place, take cover.
• Use your arms, a coat, or blanket to cover your head and neck.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado.
• Do not hide under a bridge or overpass. Go to a low, flat location.

Storm surge is a life-threatening flood that comes from rising water that moves inland.

Be prepared! There is a possibility of life-threatening flooding. A storm surge may occur within 48 hours.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Know your risk.
• Follow instructions from local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Do not drive through flood waters.
• Do not drive around barricades.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

Take action! There is a danger of life-threatening flooding. A storm surge may occur within 36 hours.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Know your risk.
• Follow instructions from local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Do not drive through flood waters.
• Do not drive around barricades.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

A winter storm brings snow, sleet, ice accumulation, wind, or a combination of these hazards.

• Take action! A Winter Storm Watch means winter weather conditions are possible and could significantly impact travel and daily activities. Potential hazards may include heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, strong winds, or a combination of these conditions. A watch is typically issued 24 to 72 hours in advance to give people time to prepare. This is the time to review plans, gather supplies, and be ready to act if conditions worsen.

If You Get This Alert at Home

• Stay informed and monitor forecasts.
  • Pay close attention to weather updates from trusted sources. Watches may be upgraded to warnings as confidence in the forecast increases.
• Review emergency plans.
  • Discuss plans with household members, including where to shelter during outages and how to communicate if separated.
• Check supplies early.
  • Take inventory of food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights, and other essentials. Restock now to avoid last-minute shortages.
• Prepare your home.
  • Test heating systems, ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and identify safe alternative heat sources if needed.
• Charge devices.
  • Begin charging phones, laptops, battery packs, and medical devices in case of power disruptions.
• Prepare for cold temperatures.
  • Locate warm clothing, blankets, and winter gear. Bring pets indoors or ensure they have adequate shelter.
• Plan for limited travel.
  • Consider adjusting work, school, and appointment schedules ahead of time.

If You Get This Alert in Your Car

• Plan ahead for possible travel impacts.
  • Monitor forecasts before traveling and consider adjusting travel plans if conditions are expected to worsen.
• Prepare your vehicle now.
  • Check tires, windshield wipers, antifreeze levels, and battery condition. Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Assemble or check an emergency car kit.
  • Include blankets, warm clothing, flashlight, phone charger, food, water, ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, and traction material such as sand or kitty litter.
• Share travel plans.
  • Let someone know your destination, route, and expected arrival time when traveling during potential winter weather.
• Allow extra time.
  • Build flexibility into your schedule in case conditions change or delays occur.
• Be ready to delay or cancel travel.
  • If a Winter Storm Watch is upgraded to a Warning, travel conditions may quickly become dangerous.

• Take action! A Winter Storm Warning means dangerous winter weather is occurring or expected soon and may significantly impact travel and daily activities. Hazards may include heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, strong winds, or a combination of these conditions. A warning is typically issued 12 to 48 hours in advance to allow time to prepare. Take action immediately to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Stay informed.
  • Monitor local weather forecasts, emergency alerts, and official updates from Emergency Management. Conditions can change quickly.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
  • Roads may become hazardous or impassable. Stay off the roads to reduce the risk of accidents and to allow plow and emergency crews to operate safely.
• Prepare for power outages.
  • Charge cell phones and battery packs. Have flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio available. Avoid using candles when possible.
• Ensure adequate heating.
  • Make sure your primary heat source is working properly. If using alternative heat sources, follow all safety instructions and ensure proper ventilation. Never use grills or generators indoors.
• Stock essential supplies.
  • Have enough food, water, medications, and baby or pet supplies to last at least 72 hours. Choose items that do not require cooking or refrigeration if power is lost.
• Protect pipes and property.
  • Insulate exposed pipes, allow faucets to drip if temperatures drop significantly, and open cabinet doors to circulate warm air. Bring outdoor items inside if possible.
• Check on others.
  • Reach out to elderly neighbors, people with disabilities, or anyone who may need assistance during severe weather.
• Limit outdoor exposure.
  • If you must go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
• Many Winter Storms bring the possibility of ice accumulation.

If ice is anticipated read the preparation information in Ice Storm Warning | How to Prepare

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Put an emergency kit in your car.
• Stay off the roads.

Take action! A sudden whiteout is occurring or about to occur. A snow squall is occurring or may occur soon.

If You Get this Alert at Home:

• Check supplies, food, and water, and make a plan to use these supplies for at least 3 days.
• Limit your time outside and wear warm clothes.
• Prepare for power outages and have a plan in case you lose heat.
• There is no Snow Squall Watch.

If You Get this Alert in Your Car:

• Reduce your speed, turn on headlights and hazards, and keep space between you and the car in front of you.
• Stay off the roads, if possible.

Pets are vulnerable during winter storms and power outages. Planning ahead helps ensure their safety and comfort.

• Bring pets indoors.
  • Whenever possible, keep pets inside during winter storms and extreme cold. Outdoor animals should have access to warm, dry, insulated shelter.
• Stock pet supplies.
  • Have at least 3–5 days of pet food, water, medications, and any special dietary items. Keep manual can openers if needed.
• Prepare a pet emergency kit.
  • Include food and water bowls, leash, harness or carrier, bedding, waste bags, litter, towels, grooming supplies, and copies of vaccination or medical records.
• Plan for warmth.
  • Provide extra blankets or bedding. Small or short-haired pets may need sweaters or coats when indoors temperatures drop.
• Protect paws and skin.
  • Ice, salt, and chemicals can irritate pets’ paws. Limit time outdoors, wipe paws and legs after walks, and watch for signs of injury.
• Maintain routines when possible.
  • Keeping feeding and care routines consistent can help reduce stress for pets during emergencies.
• Never leave pets in vehicles.
  • Cold temperatures can become life-threatening quickly, even for short periods.
• Identify a backup caregiver.
  • Arrange for a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member who can care for your pets if you are unable to do so.