{"id":8698,"date":"2023-11-17T02:20:59","date_gmt":"2023-11-17T10:20:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.answerfinancial.com\/?p=8698"},"modified":"2023-11-17T14:21:47","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T22:21:47","slug":"debunking-ice-and-snowstorm-myths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.answerfinancial.com\/debunking-ice-and-snowstorm-myths\/","title":{"rendered":"Debunking Ice and Snowstorm Myths"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In many parts of the country, snow, ice and frigid temperatures are an annual routine. But some things you may have heard about dealing with ice and snowstorms may not be accurate. Here are some common winter weather driving<\/a> myths, debunked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #1: It\u2019s too warm to snow today.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s nothing stranger than a 55-degree day with snow in the forecast. How could that possibly be? Steven Welch, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Buffalo, New York, offers an explanation. He said it could be because a cold front on the way is slated to bring dramatically cooler temperatures, setting the stage for snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA colder air mass \u2014 polar or arctic air \u2014 coming from the north or west, usually behind a cold front, can cause a pattern change, which is more favorable for snow,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #2: Heavy snowfall means it\u2019s a blizzard.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou actually don\u2019t need falling snow for a blizzard,\u201d Welch says. In order for a blizzard warning to be declared, certain specific conditions have to be happening or expected, according to the National Weather Service (NWS)1<\/sup>: winds of greater than or equal to 35 mph with falling or blowing snow and your visibility has to be less than one-quarter of a mile for three hours or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can get heavy snow and not much visibility, but the weather isn\u2019t classified as a blizzard because of the lack of strong wind,\u201d Welch adds. There\u2019s even something called a \u201cground blizzard,\u201d where snow that is already on the ground creates blizzard conditions, NWS notes.2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #3: The ground\u2019s not frozen, so snow won\u2019t stick.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if the ground is above freezing, snow can start to stick as it falls and then melts and cools the ground, Welch says. And this is typically the case even with a few days of above-freezing temperatures, he adds. Meteorologists may measure several feet underground to see how deep down the ground is frozen or thawed, he explains. The ground typically freezes from the top down. With warmer ground, the snow may melt at first, but as the temperature begins to drop, a thin layer of ice or a layer of slush may form before the snow starts to accumulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #4: Weather watches and warnings are not important.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may not be able to alter what\u2019s coming, but you do want to be prepared. The National Weather Service\u2019s weather advisories, watches and warnings should be taken seriously. The NWS issues a winter weather advisory when snowy weather is on the way, but conditions aren\u2019t hazardous enough to justify a warning. It issues a winter storm warning when a significant hazardous weather event or events is about to occur, or is occurring. The NWS issues a winter storm watch when there\u2019s potential for hazardous winter weather. The criteria can vary by region, NWS notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you must drive during a winter storm, slow down and proceed with caution, the NWS advises, as road conditions may change rapidly. It\u2019s also recommends keeping a winter emergency kit in your car<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #5: Rock salt is safe to use to melt ice and snow.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may consider using rock salt (also called sodium chloride) to melt ice and snow, but it\u2019s important to be aware of potential impacts on children and pets, the National Capital Poison Center (NCPC) notes.3<\/sup> If you use a deicer to melt snow or ice, don\u2019t use more than the recommended amount. Deicers could irritate pets\u2019 skin or paws, or even poison them if they eat enough of it. Sodium chloride also may cause a rash if children put it in their mouths, according to the center. Sand, gravel or kitty litter may be effective alternatives to help walkers and vehicles gain traction, adds the NCPC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #6: It\u2019s OK to eat snow and icicles.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be fooled by the crystal-clear appearance of snow or even icicles. Frozen precipitation picks up air pollutants as it falls \u2014 in particular, toxic compounds from car exhaust \u2014 and may affect your health if ingested.4<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know the truth about these ice and snowstorm myths, you can bundle up and enjoy the winter months \u2014 or stay warm and cozy inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is Answer Financial?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Driving in any weather can be a risk, so always carrying sufficient coverage<\/a> is essential. At Answer Financial, we\u2019re happy to talk with you about the right insurance for you. Call 1-800-258-5101 to talk about auto insurance with one of our insurance experts now or visit our site to quickly compare quotes from 40+ top-rated insurance companies.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In many parts of the country, snow, ice and frigid temperatures are an annual routine. But some things you may have heard about dealing with ice and snowstorms may not be accurate. Here are some common winter weather driving myths, debunked. Myth #1: It\u2019s too warm to snow today. There\u2019s nothing stranger than a 55-degree…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":8699,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[117,422,423],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-auto","category-home"],"ic_custom":{"author_name":"AnswerFinancial","medium_thumbnail":"\"Debunking","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.answerfinancial.com\/author\/answerfinancial\/"},"yoast_head":"\r\nDebunking Ice and Snowstorm Myths | Answer Financial<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.answerfinancial.com\/debunking-ice-and-snowstorm-myths\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Debunking Ice and Snowstorm Myths | Answer Financial\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In many parts of the country, snow, ice and frigid temperatures are an annual routine. 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