Winter Weather

Fort Wayne Snow
Amish Snow
Winter Car Kit

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, ice, sleet and freezing rain.

Products the NWS Issues During the Winter

Before

Before winter approaches, consider adding the following supplies to your vehicle's emergency kit:

  • A shovel
  • Windshield scraper and small broom
  • Flashlight
  • Water
  • Snack food
  • Blanket(s)
  • Booster cables
  • Emergency flares
  • Fluorescent distress flag
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery
  • Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members

Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.

During

  • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack-a major cause of death in the winter. Use caution, take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads.
  • Signs of Frostbite: Occurs when the skin and body tissue just beneath it freezes. Loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, earlobes, face, and the tip of the nose.
    • What to Do: Cover exposed skin, but do not rub the affected area in an attempt to warm it up. Seek medical help immediately.
  • Signs of Hypothermia: Dangerously low body temperature. Uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
    • What to Do: If symptoms of hypothermia are detected take the person's temperature. If it is below 95°, seek medical attention immediately. Get the victim to a warm location. Remove wet clothing. Warm the center of the body first by wrapping the person in blankets or putting on dry clothing. Give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Seek medical help immediately.
  • STAY:
    • If stuck on the road to avoid exposure and/or rescue is likely
    • If a safe location is neither nearby or visible
    • If you do not have appropriate clothing to go outside
    • If you do not have the ability to call for help
  • GO:
    • If the distance to call for help is accessible.
    • If you have visibility and outside conditions are safe.
    • If you have appropriate clothing.
  • Once the storm has passed, if you are not already home, follow instructions from your local transportation department and emergency management agency to determine which route will be safest for you to get home. Drive with extra caution.

Travel Advisory Information

After

  • If your home loses power or heat for more than a few hours or if you do not have adequate supplies to stay warm in your home overnight, you may want to go to a designated public shelter if you can get there safely. Text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362 to find the nearest shelter in your area
  • Bring any personal items that you would need to spend the night (such as toiletries, medicines). Take precautions when traveling to the shelter. Dress warmly in layers, wear boots, mittens, and a hat.
  • Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.