Blowing Snow Advisory: What It Means and How to Prepare Your Home
Blowing snow advisories are issued when strong winds lift loose snow from the ground and reduce visibility. Conditions can deteriorate quickly, even when no new snow is falling, making travel hazardous. This type of weather can make normal daily routines difficult and potentially dangerous.
This article is a guide to blowing snow advisories. It covers what homeowners should do to prepare and what to do while the advisory is active. It will also cover some essentials of preparing for a possible power outage.
What Is a Blowing Snow Advisory?
A blowing snow advisory warns that blowing snow will reduce visibility to 800 meters or less for at least three hours. Environment Canada issues this alert when winds of 30 km/h or more are expected to blow loose snow and reduce visibility. Blowing snow differs from falling snow because it has already fallen to the ground.
The names and criteria for alerts can vary among different weather services and regions. It is important to consult the appropriate weather service for the specific advisory information relevant to your area.
What Causes Blowing Snow?
The Alberta clippers are weather systems that can bring big northerly winds and new snowfall. Gusts of wind may reach speeds of 70 to 80 km/h. Even if there is no new snowfall, the wind can whip up loose snow on the surface, causing a whiteout on an otherwise clear day.
What Does a Yellow Advisory for Blowing Snow Mean?
The meaning of a yellow advisory - blowing snow notice will depend on the particular weather service that has issued this forecast and its alert system. So, regardless of where exactly you are in Manitoba or in Calgary, consult your local weather service to find out the latest news about advisories, including the regions subject to this weather warning, as well as the expected time frame.
How to Prepare Your Home Before Blowing Snow
Get ready to face a blowing snow advisory as soon as it is issued. The following actions are quick and easy to take and will make a big difference later.
Secure Outdoor Objects From High Winds
High winds have the ability to toss around any unsecured object like a Frisbee. Loose items make dangerous projectiles that can cause injury and property damage.
Before high winds arrive, secure patio furniture and trash cans.
Keep all loose objects in your yard or on your porch that might get caught by the wind and become projectiles.
Clear your doorways and make sure that your windows and doors open and close correctly.
Prepare Essential Supplies and Emergency Contacts
Keep these supplies close at hand:
Drinking water and nonperishable food
Medications
Flashlights and batteries
Warm clothing
List of emergency contacts
Charge your phone and other devices and have backup batteries on hand in case of power outages. Keep a battery-powered radio handy, as well. You might want to invest in a winter storm preparation kit that includes many of the items on this list. Also, perform some home maintenance and heating system safety checks to be sure your heating source will continue to function properly in the storm.
Check Your Home's Heating and Power Backup
Make sure your heating system is in good repair. Charge backup power devices, if you have any. Then, make a list of devices you need to stay operational in the event of a power outage. This list should include heating and air conditioning units, lamps, phones and other vital appliances.
How to Keep Your Home Powered During a Blowing Snow Advisory
A blowing snow advisory doesn't always mean the power will go out, but severe winter weather may create unsafe driving conditions, cause drifting and lead to the formation of ice on power lines. Prepare for the possibility of losing power, but don't assume it's inevitable.
Preparing for Prolonged Outages With High-Capacity Home Backup
Imagine if a blowing snow advisory turned into an outage. High winds howl outside your window as the lights flicker and die. Your furnace fan stops running, your fridge and freezer stop humming, and your phone is down to 20% with no idea when the outage will end.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra has a 6,144Wh base battery capacity, 7,200W of continuous AC output, and 10.8kW of surge output. Its capacity can be expanded to 30kWh per inverter with compatible batteries, and it supports up to 5,600W of solar input. Actual runtime depends on the connected loads and system configuration. For home backup, consult a qualified electrician to confirm the required equipment, circuit compatibility, and installation requirements.
Keeping Essential Devices Powered With a Portable Backup Solution
Now let’s imagine a less ambitious requirement. Imagine that you aren’t looking to power your entire home up and down the street. Just power phones, maybe a couple of lights and the router while the wind howls outside.
A portable product could work in this scenario. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Series Portable Power Station (3072Wh) would power compatible devices and maybe some circuits (communication devices and lights, maybe). This unit has a 3072Wh capacity and 3600W of rated power. It is not going to run all your heating appliances, so check out the watts for each of your devices.
What to Do During a Blowing Snow Advisory
Once the wind picks up, your goal is simple. Stay safe, stay warm and stay informed.
Follow Local Weather Alerts and Avoid Unnecessary Travel
Check official alerts for your location. If you are under a blowing snow advisory in Manitoba, check road conditions on Manitoba 511 before any trip. Calgary residents can do the same with Alberta's road reports. Postpone non-essential travel. Visibility can be reduced suddenly to zero.
Stay Safe if a Power Outage Occurs
If the power goes out:
Use flashlights instead of candles.
Save your phone battery.
Check indoor temperatures often.
Keep essential devices powered.
Never run a fuel-burning generator indoors or in a closed space. It can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. For more help, read how to stay safe, warm and connected during winter power outages.
Protect Your Home From Wind and Cold
Keep your home at a safe indoor temperature. Fix known drafts. Stay indoors during the worst conditions. During long cold spells, follow local guidance on protecting your plumbing.
Conclusion
A blowing snow advisory is issued when low visibility due to blowing snow is expected. Residents should monitor local weather conditions and limit travel, secure outdoor objects, and have winter preparedness supplies on hand. Power outages may occur.
Creating a winter outage preparedness plan and having a reliable backup power source will help families remain safe and comfortable in the face of a severe storm.
Make sure your backup power system can support your essential loads.
Shop now and enjoy reliable whole-home backup power with the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra.
FAQs
What is a blowing snow advisory?
A blowing snow advisory occurs when blowing snow can reduce visibility. Environment Canada issues an advisory when winds of at least 30 km/h are expected to reduce visibility to less than 800 meters for at least three hours.
What does a yellow advisory for blowing snow mean?
This will depend on the advisory and alert system used by your local authority. It is best to consult with your local weather service regarding the advisory, the area it is affecting and the time in which it will occur.
How does it differ from a blizzard warning?
A blizzard is a more extreme weather event characterized by high winds and low visibility. Environment Canada issues a blizzard warning when winds are expected to be 40 km/h or more, and visibility is reduced to 400 meters or less, much more extreme than a blowing snow advisory.
Is it a driving hazard?
A blowing snow advisory is a serious driving hazard, as it can reduce visibility to near zero. Drive carefully and watch for the taillights of other vehicles. Keep an emergency kit and a backup power source in your vehicle.
What to do in a blowing snow advisory in Manitoba?
During a blowing snow advisory in Manitoba, it is important to stay up to date with the latest road conditions. Avoid driving if possible and always make sure to prepare your home and outdoor space.
What should I do during a blowing snow advisory in Calgary?
During a blowing snow advisory in Calgary, make sure to prepare for the storm and check Alberta road conditions before you leave. Keep up to date with your cell phone provider and make sure to have emergency supplies on hand in case of a power failure.