13 Weather Authority - Winter Quiz

Sleet pellets are raindrops that have frozen in mid-air. When rain falls through a layer of freezing air, the raindrops become supercooled and freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. These pellets are smaller than hailstones and have a translucent or clear appearance. Snowflakes, on the other hand, are ice crystals that form directly from the freezing of water vapor in the atmosphere and fall to the ground as delicate, intricate shapes. Therefore, the correct answer is sleet pellets.

During a severe winter storm, being stranded in a vehicle can be extremely dangerous. Running the engine every half hour helps to keep the vehicle warm and prevent the battery from dying. Keeping the tailpipe clear of snow is crucial to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Tying a red cloth to the vehicle's antenna can help rescuers locate the vehicle more easily. Therefore, all of the given options are important actions to take when stranded in a vehicle during a severe winter storm.

The signs of hypothermia include violent shivering, confusion and drowsiness, as well as slow breathing and heartbeat. Hypothermia is a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Violent shivering is the body's attempt to generate heat, while confusion and drowsiness are symptoms of the brain being affected by the cold. Slow breathing and heartbeat are signs that the body's functions are slowing down due to the drop in temperature. Therefore, all of the given options are signs of hypothermia.

Shoveling snow is easier on the body if you push small amounts of snow, use your legs instead of your back, and take frequent breaks. Pushing small amounts of snow reduces the strain on your muscles and prevents excessive exertion. Using your legs instead of your back helps to engage the larger muscles in your lower body, reducing the risk of back injuries. Taking frequent breaks allows your body to rest and recover, preventing fatigue and overexertion. Therefore, all of the above options contribute to making shoveling snow easier on the body.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, which means that it cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Therefore, the correct answer is "None of the above" as none of the given options are applicable to carbon monoxide.

Wind chill is only for human skin. Objects such as vehicles will not take longer to warm up because of an extreme wind chill.

Ice Storm Warnings are issued when at least 1/4 inch of ice accumulation is expected. This is because when ice accumulates to this extent, it can cause significant damage to power lines, trees, and infrastructure. It also poses a serious threat to transportation and can make roads and walkways extremely hazardous. Therefore, it is important to issue warnings to alert the public and encourage them to take necessary precautions to stay safe during such weather conditions.

Air trapped between the layers of clothes will insulate and warm your body.

When the wind chill reaches -35°F, frostbite can occur within 10 minutes. Frostbite is a condition that occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to extreme cold temperatures. The wind chill factor takes into account the combination of temperature and wind speed, which can accelerate the freezing process. In extremely cold conditions like -35°F, the body's exposed skin can freeze rapidly, leading to frostbite in as little as 10 minutes. It is crucial to protect exposed skin and limit exposure to extreme cold to prevent frostbite.

Lake effect snow occurs when cold air moves over warm water. As the cold air passes over the warmer water, it picks up moisture and heat from the water surface. This causes the air to become saturated with moisture, leading to the formation of snow clouds and eventually lake effect snow. The temperature difference between the cold air and warm water is crucial for this phenomenon to occur.

A blizzard occurs when the wind is frequently above 35 mph and the visibility is less than 1/4 mile. Blizzards are severe winter storms characterized by strong winds, heavy snowfall, and low visibility. The combination of high winds and reduced visibility creates hazardous conditions, making travel and outdoor activities extremely dangerous.

Winter storms typically develop in Colorado. This is because Colorado is located in the central part of the United States and is known for its high elevation and mountainous terrain. These geographical features create ideal conditions for the formation and intensification of winter storms, as cold air masses from the north and moisture from the Pacific can collide and interact over the Rocky Mountains. This leads to the development of heavy snowfall, strong winds, and other winter weather phenomena in Colorado.

The coldest temperature ever recorded in Rockford, Illinois is -27°F. This indicates that at some point in time, the temperature dropped to this extreme low in Rockford.

During Rockford, Illinois' biggest snowstorm, a total of 16.3 inches of snowfall was recorded.

The average annual snowfall for Rockford, Illinois is 38.8 inches.

A "Winter Storm Warning" is issued when there is a high probability of significant snowfall within a twelve-hour period. In this case, the correct answer is 6 inches, indicating that if 6 or more inches of snow are expected, a Winter Storm Warning will be issued to alert people about the potentially hazardous conditions.

During the winter, it is important to check your vehicle's tire pressure once per day. This is because cold temperatures can cause the air inside the tires to contract, leading to a loss of pressure. By checking the tire pressure daily, you can ensure that the tires are properly inflated, which is crucial for safe driving and optimal fuel efficiency.

A "Wind Chill Warning" means that the combination of wind and cold temperatures will result in extremely cold conditions. In this case, the warning indicates that wind chills will be below -30°F, which implies that the actual temperature combined with the wind speed will make it feel even colder than -30°F. This warning is issued to alert people to the potentially dangerous conditions and the need to take precautions to protect themselves from frostbite and hypothermia.

The least snowy winter ever recorded in Rockford, Illinois occurred in 1906-1907, and during that winter, only 2.8 inches of snow fell.

Rockford, Illinois experiences an average of 2.6 inches of snow in November.

In Rockford, Illinois, the most snow to ever fall in a single day was 13.5 inches.

During the winter of 2007/2008, Rockford received 72.9 inches of snow.

The given answer of 20% implies that there is a high probability of a major snow or ice storm occurring in Illinois between December 24th and December 26th. This could be based on historical data or weather patterns that indicate a higher likelihood of such storms during this time period. It suggests that there is a significant chance of severe winter weather impacting the region during these specific dates.

Rockford has stayed below 32°F for a maximum of 46 days. This means that the temperature in Rockford remained below freezing point for a continuous period of 46 days, indicating an extended period of cold weather.

A "Wind Chill Advisory" is issued when the combination of wind and cold temperatures can cause dangerous conditions. In this case, the correct answer is -20°F, indicating that the wind chills are expected to be below this temperature. This means that the wind will make it feel even colder than the actual temperature, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. It is important to take appropriate precautions and dress warmly to protect oneself from the extreme cold.

In Wisconsin, approximately 17,000 vehicle crashes occur each year during wintry conditions. This suggests that the state experiences a significant number of accidents due to the harsh winter weather. The high number of crashes highlights the need for caution and preparedness while driving in wintry conditions to prevent accidents and ensure road safety.

If someone experiences frostbite, it is important for them to seek medical care as soon as possible. Frostbite is a serious condition that can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Putting the affected areas in warm water can help to gradually warm them up and alleviate some of the symptoms. However, it is crucial to avoid using hot water or direct heat sources such as heating pads, as they can cause further damage to the frostbitten tissues. Therefore, seeking medical care and using warm water are the appropriate actions to take in the case of frostbite.