Eye On the Sky
By Brookings County Emergency Management Director Bob Hill
10-30-2026
October 31, 2026, is Halloween. I realize that not everyone recognizes it as a holiday, but you do need to be aware that there will be youngsters and oldsters out walking the streets on Saturday night, looking for tricks or treats. If you are driving, stay alert for pedestrians. Children will get excited if they think someone is giving away full-size candy bars, and they may forget to look both ways when crossing the street.
I will now shift the discussion on Winter Weather Preparedness and focus on Warnings, Watches, and Advisories.
Advisories:
Winter Weather Advisories are issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or a combination of these wintry elements is expected but conditions should not be hazardous enough to meet warning criteria. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible travel difficulties. Use caution when driving.
Wind Chill Advisories are issued when low wind chill temperatures are expected but will not reach local warning criteria. Extremely cold air and strong winds will combine to generate low wind chill readings. If you must venture outdoors, take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.
Watch:
Winter Storm Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event (heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, heavy snow and blowing snow, or a combination of events). Alerts the public to the possibility of severe winter conditions. Watches are typically issued anywhere from 12 to 48 hours in advance of a winter storm. However, in some circumstances, watches may be issued longer than 48 hours in advance.
On the Road: Consider changing your travel plans. If you must drive, carry a winter survival kit in your car and be prepared for delays.
At Home: Make sure you have the proper snow-removal equipment to clear your sidewalks and driveways. If an exceptionally high amount of snow is forecast, be prepared to remain at home for a day or two.
Wind Chill Watches are issued when there is the potential for a combination of extremely cold air and strong winds to create dangerously low wind chill values.
• Timing: Two to three days before the event
• Increasing confidence that dangerous winter weather which could threaten life and property, will occur
• You Should: Start taking necessary precautions in case the event happens
• Types of Watches: Winter Storm, Extreme Cold Watch
Winter Storm Watch
Alerts the public to the possibility of severe winter conditions. Watches are typically issued anywhere from 12 to 48 hours in advance of a winter storm. However, in some circumstances, watches may be issued longer than 48 hours in advance.
On the Road: Consider changing your travel plans. If you must drive, carry a winter survival kit in your car and be prepared for delays.
At Home: Make sure you have the proper snow-removal equipment to clear your sidewalks and driveways. If an exceptionally high amount of snow is forecast, be prepared to remain at home for a day or two.
Extreme Cold Watch:
Be Prepared. An Extreme Cold Watch is issued when extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chill values are possible, but the occurrence, location, and/or timing are still uncertain. As with a Warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas and renew your winter survival kit.
Warning:
• Timing: Within 24 to 48 hours of the event
• High confidence in a winter weather event which could threaten life & property is the most serious of alerts
• You Should: Continue and finish preparing for the storm as well as monitor for updated warning statements
• Types of Warnings: Winter Storm, Blizzard, Ice Storm, Extreme Cold, and Snow Squall
Winter Storm Warning
When any of the following criteria is expected to occur:
Snow: > 6″
Sleet: 1/2 inch or more
On the Road: Seriously consider postponing any non-essential driving. If you must drive, carry a winter survival kit in your car and be prepared for delays.
At Home: Make sure you have the proper snow-removing equipment to clear your sidewalks and driveways. If an exceptionally high amount of snow is forecast, be prepared to remain at home for a day or two.
Blizzard Warning
Sustained wind or frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph will accompany falling and/or blowing snow to frequently reduce visibility to less than or equal to 1/4 mile for three or more hours.
On the Road: Refrain from driving except in emergency situations, especially in open country. Always carry a winter survival kit in your car if you must drive. High winds and white-out conditions will make driving extremely dangerous.
At Home: Be prepared to remain at home for a few days, especially if you live in a rural area. Snow drifts may be higher than 10 feet, so make sure you have the proper snow removal equipment.
Ice Storm Warning
Significant ice accumulations > 1/4 inch
On the Road: Refrain from driving except in emergency situations. Roads will likely be treacherous and maintaining control of your car will be very difficult.
At Home: Be prepared for possible long-duration power outages and refrain from walking on ice-covered surfaces outside.
Extreme Cold Warning
Apparent temperature values are expected to be <= -35°F
On the Road: Pack extra clothes and blankets in addition to your winter survival kit in your car in case you get stranded.
At Home: Seriously consider postponing any outdoor plans. Wear well-insulated clothing if you must go outdoors. Frostbite could take place in as little as 10 minutes.
Snow Squall Warning
Intense, but limited duration, periods of moderate to heavy snowfall, accompanied by gusty surface winds resulting in reduced visibility and whiteout conditions.
On the Road: Be prepared to encounter these dangerous travel conditions and delay or adjust travel plans as possible. Always carry a winter survival kit in your car if you must drive. High winds and white-out conditions will make driving extremely dangerous.
At Home: Remain at home until the short-duration heavy snow band has ended and travel conditions have improved.
It is time to start dressing in layers and remember to always:
Keep an Eye On the Sky when outdoors,
Bob the EM
