Winter in the Pacific Northwest can be quite hazardous, with snow and ice in the mountains, heavy rains on the coast, and even biting cold with dangerous wind chill across the Columbia Basin. All areas of the Pacific Northwest have experienced nearly every type of winter weather possible, from blizzards to ice, from flooding rains to biting cold.

Each year, dozens of Amercians die due to prolonged exposure to the cold. Major winter storms can last several days, and be accompanied by strong winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, cold temperatures, and various forms of flooding. Heavy snow in the mountains is important for the skiing industry, and for filling reservoirs. However, these storms also produce travel dangers and create life threatening conditions.

To help our communities learn more about these dangers, NOAA's National Weather Service will issue the following Public Information Statements throughout the week to give safety information, and help you know how to respond when severe weather threatens:

1. October 19 : Introduction to Winter Weather and Awareness
2. October 20 : Winter Weather Safety...Terminology, and Dissemination
3. October 21 : Winter Weather Outlooks, Watches, Warnings and Advisories
4. October 22 : Blizzards, Snow & Ice Storms, Wind Chill, and Avalanches
5. October 23 : Floods
6. October 24 : Windstorms (east and west of Cascades)
7. October 25 : Summary of Winter Weather and Awareness

Remember, in times of severe weather, you can get all these vital NOAA/National Weather Service messages via NOAA Weather Radio, your favorite local media, or through NOAA's National Weather Service websites.

This message is brought to you by your local NOAA National Weather Service staff, state and federal fire and land management agencies, as well as local and state emergency management officials.