What Business Owners Need to Know About Winter Weather Alerts

11/28/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby is dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm damage emergencies.

Understanding the 4 Main Winter Weather Alerts

Businesses in Delaware County are urged by the NOAA’s National Weather Service to stay on top of local warnings and forecasts.  Below are definitions of some of the primary winter weather alerts that, as a business owner, you should know about, and what to expect if one of these is issued in Delaware County.

Winter Storm Outlook

This is the term used when a storm hasn’t arrived yet, but is expected to arrive in a few days.  This gives you time to check emergency supplies and go over the company’s emergency plan with employees.  It is important that you stay updated on the weather so you can prepare accordingly.

Winter Storm Advisory

This alert lets you know of less severe winter weather on its way.  This does not mean that you do not need to prepare for it.  Any amount of snow and ice accumulation can cause dangerous conditions and travel delays; therefore, your employees should exercise extreme caution.  Make sure all company vehicles are filled with fuel, and your building premises are taken care of to prevent any fall or injury.

Winter Storm Watch

This alert will let you know about the possibility of heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain or blizzard conditions.  These types of winter storm watches are typically issued anywhere from 12 to 48 hours before a winter storm begins.

Winter Storm Warning

This alert will let you know that dangerous winter weather, such as heavy freezing rain, sleet or snow, is imminent.  You are typically notified by these warnings between 12 to 24 hours before the storm hits.

Other Winter Weather Alerts

There are several other winter weather alerts that you should be aware of – particularly if your business has fleet drivers.

Blizzard Warning

Blizzard warnings are issued for gusty or sustained winds of 35 mph or more, and for blowing or falling snow that creates visibility problems.

Ice Storm Warning

Ice storms can create extreme hazardous conditions for traveling.  The weight of ice can cause falling power lines and tree limbs.  If you have drivers out on the roads, have them drive with great caution.

Wind Chill (Watch, Warning or Advisory)

This alert is issued when temperatures dip or reach below -20 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause very dangerous conditions outside.

Sleet

Sleet is where raindrops freeze and turn into ice pellets before they reach the ground.  Sleet does not stick to objects, and typically bounces when it hits a surface, but can still be hazardous to motorists since it can accumulate like snow.

Freezing Rain

When rain temperature falls below freezing temperature as it hits a surface, it can freeze to surfaces like roads, vehicles or trees and form a glaze or coat of ice.  This can cause a serious hazard even in small accumulations.  Alerts are quite necessary for this so that people may take caution of these hazards.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA will respond immediately to the storm or flood event affecting your commercial property, regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.

We are proud to be a part of our community and strive to provide the residents and business owners in our area the fastest response times and our best work each and every day. 

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA at (610) 352-0700 for all your cleaning, water damage, fire damage and mold remediation needs!