(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a series of articles about winter safety issues.)

So far, winter has been relatively mild for this part of the country, but as we all well know, that can change over night — or quicker, and it’s a good idea to be prepared to at least understand what the risks are.
That is why it’s important to understand the terms that are used in warnings from the National Weather Service.
According to the NWS, definitions of warning phrases include:
• Winter Storm Warning: Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter storm warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
• Winter Storm Watch: Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter storm watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.
• Winter Storm Outlook: Issued prior to a winter storm watch. The outlook is given when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible and are usually issued three to five days in advance of a winter storm.
• Blizzard Warning: Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below a quarter mile. These conditions should persist for at least three hours.
• Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure.
• Wind Chill Advisory: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to hazardous exposure.
• Winter Weather Advisories: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.
• Dense Fog Advisory: Issued when fog will reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less over a widespread area.
• Snow Flurries: Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected.
• Snow Showers: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.
• Snow Squalls: Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant. Snow squalls are best known in the Great Lakes region.
• Blowing Snow: Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting. Blowing snow may be snow that is falling or loose snow on the ground picked up by the wind.
• Sleet: Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists.
• Freezing Rain: Rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.