> ## Content Index
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# What's the difference between a winter storm watch and a warning?
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/winter_storm_watch_warning_101220090555/
- Published: 2009-12-10T17:54:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:06:36.000Z
- Description: Winter storms can bring flooding, closed roads, downed power lines and hypothermia. The piece gathers FEMA's list of winter storm terms and preparedness pages from FEMA, CDC, HHS and EPA, plus guides on frostbite, hypothermia and being trapped in a vehicle.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Miscellaneous, Health News, #vivvo-import

Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.

The [Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=4434&p%5Fsid=Wt2eb7Pj&p%5Flva=6370&ref=foodconsumer.org) provides a [list of terms to help identify a winter storm hazard](http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/wi%5Fterms.shtm?ref=foodconsumer.org).

General information on extreme cold hazards and winter storms is available at the following web pages:

- [FEMA's Winter Storms and Extreme Cold web page](http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/?ref=foodconsumer.org)
  - Includes information on what to do [before](http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/wi%5Fbefore.shtm?ref=foodconsumer.org), [during](http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/wi%5Fduring.shtm?ref=foodconsumer.org) and [after a winter storm](http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/after.shtm?ref=foodconsumer.org).
- [FEMA's Winter Storm Preparedness Tips](http://www.fema.gov/media/archives/2007/110607.shtm?ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Winter Weather web page](http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/?ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [The Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Extreme Cold and Winter Storm web page](http://www.hhs.gov/disasters/emergency/naturaldisasters/cold/?ref=foodconsumer.org)

You may also wish to view the [wind chill index](http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/windchill/?ref=foodconsumer.org) or information on [what to do if you become trapped in a vehicle during a winter storm](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=6373&p%5Fsid=Wt2eb7Pj&p%5Flva=6370&ref=foodconsumer.org).

In addition, the following publications provide information on winter storms and cold hazards:

- [Winter Storms…The Deceptive Killers](http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/wntrstm.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) \- A brochure that provides information on winter storm facts, how to detect frostbite and hypothermia, what to do in a winter storm, and how to be prepared.
- [Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety](http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp?ref=foodconsumer.org) \- A document providing information about planning ahead for cold weather, safety both indoors and outdoors in cold weather, and cold weather health conditions.

Finally, the [Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=6016&p%5Fsid=Wt2eb7Pj&p%5Flva=6370&ref=foodconsumer.org) provides [winter tips for reducing waste, energy and more](http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/snow-ice.html?ref=foodconsumer.org).

By USA.gov team