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Changes in winter weather advisories

By Chad Sewich - bio | email | Twitter
Posted by Sarah Harlan - email

TRI-STATE (WFIE) - This is winter weather awareness week in the Tri-State and the National Weather Service will be doing something different this season when they issue advisories.

You may recall meteorologists at the Paducah Weather Service took the unusual step of holding several press conferences days before the ice storm hit to try and get the word out.

Now, they're looking at a simple change that could make a big difference during winter storms.

The January ice storm disrupted about every aspect of life in much of the Tri-State, including school systems.

"The ice storm was a different situation because it hit so quickly and we were out for days and days and days," EVSC Spokesperson Marsha Jackson said.

EVSC officials said when winter storms are in the forecast, they closely monitor all weather information.

"This is something that we look at on a daily basis, or hourly basis, so it's important that we're able to distinguish very quickly what's happening," Jackson said.

But sometimes vital winter weather data can be difficult to translate or sift through, which is why the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, is testing a new way to warn of impending winter storms.

During this test, winter weather alerts will look similar to severe thunderstorm or flood warnings.

Statements will follow a bullet-point format which the weather service hopes will be easier to read in order to get the information as quickly as possible.

The test was conducted in the Reno, Nevada area last winter and got good reviews from emergency managers and the media.

While the change may sound simple, it's hoped the effect will lead to a better understanding of the winter weather threat.

The bulletin format will also be broadcast on NOAA weather radios.

"Anything that's going to give us a little more time to prepare for our kids is important and the way you've described it with the bulleted format would make it a lot easier for us to understand and see very quickly I think," Jackson said.

All four weather service offices that serve the Tri-State are taking part in the experiment.

Below is a recipe for a disaster supplies kit:

 - 3 day supply of water(one gallon per person, per day)

- Food that won't spoil

- One change of clothing and shoes per person

- One blanket or sleeping bag per person

- First-aid kit

- Prescription medicines

- Emergency tools

- Portable, battery-powered radio

- Flashlight with extra batteries

- Extra set of car keys

- Cash and credit card

- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members

Click here for more information on preparing for winter storms.

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