National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Paducah, KY

Weather Forecast Office

Winter Weather Preparedness Campaign 2025

Weather.gov > Paducah, KY > Winter Weather Preparedness Campaign 2025

Winter Weather Preparedness Campaigns 2025:

The National Weather Service in Paducah, KY, will be promoting Winter Weather Safety and Preparedness during four different upcoming campaigns for each of the four states we serve. This is an opportunity to increase awareness and promote preparedness of winter weather hazards. The dates of the state campaigns are as follows:

Indiana: November 9-15

Missouri: November 3-7

Illinois: November 10-14

Kentucky: December 7-13

During these weeks, we will be sending out graphics on our social media platforms (Facebook & X/Twitter). The graphics we plan on sending every other day during the campaigns are in the tabs below. 

 

 

Wind Chill 

Alt Text: A black slide with text on the left that reads: What is wind chill? Wind chill uses wind speed and air temperatures to measure the heat lost from exposed skin as winds increase. Severe wind chill values can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. There are two images on the right hand side of the slide, the top one is a "Science of wind chill" graphic, the bottom one is a wind chill temperature chart.

When wind chill values are dangerously low, stay inside as much as possible to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. If you must go outdoors, dress properly in warm layers, cover your extremities and limit your time in the cold weather.

Alt Text: A black slide with the title: NWS Extreme Cold Products. On the right hand side is a map showing the criteria for a Cold Weather Advisory and Extreme Cold Warning for different areas. The text on the left explains the difference between a Cold Weather Advisory and an Extreme Cold Warning.

The National Weather Service in Paducah KY issued cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings when certain criteria are forecast. Be prepared if either is issued.

Alt Text: A light blue slide titled: Wind chill affects animals too! Pictures of a horse, dog, and cat in the snow. Text says: bring all pets indoors in cold and windy conditions. Provide plenty of water and shelter (if possible) for livestock. Ensure outdoor pets have a warm and dry enclosed shelter and plenty of feed and fresh/unfrozen water. Check under/around your vehicle before leaving, as animals try to hide out there to stay warm.

Pets need special attention during times of extreme weather. Remember that if it is too cold for you to be outside, it is too cold for them. If your pets must be outside, provide warm and dry shelter as well as plenty of food and fresh water.

Alt Text: A purple slide titled: Be on the look out for small animals hiding in cars! A blue text bubble on the left says: Small animals seek warmth inside parked cars during cold weather. Before starting the engine, look underneath the car, check inside the wheel wells, and knock on the hood or honk the horn to scare animals out. These simple steps can save an animal's life.

Small animals seek warmth inside parked cars during cold weather. Be sure to check your vehicles before starting your engine!

 

Frostbite 

Alt Text: A purple slide titled: What causes frostbite? Text next to a light bulb says: Frostbite is an injury caused when your skin and underlying tissue freeze due to cold temperatures. A pink text bubble on the left says explains what causes frostbite.

Frostbite occurs when your skin/tissue freeze due to exposed to cold temperatures. It becomes progressively worse the longer your skin is exposed.

Alt Text: A navy blue slide titled: Degrees of frostbite. A light blue text box on the left explains what frostbite is. Green, yellow, orange, and red circles on the right with numbers 1 through 4 respectively depict the 4 degrees of frostbite. Each circle has text next to it explaining that degree of frostbite.

Understand the symptoms of the different degrees of frostbite. Take precautions during cold weather to avoid the serious impacts of frostbite.

Alt Text: a light purple slide titled: Treating frostbite. Text on the left says: Seek medical attention if you have severe frostbitten skin (very swollen, blistered, or hard skin). It is difficult to know how bad frostbite is because the skin becomes numb. Look for changes in skin color. Light blue text bubble on the right says: Seek immediate warm shelter when skin feels numb. Don’t rub the area. Remove any wet clothing. Put on extra layers of clothes or blankets. Ge in a warm, NOT hot, bath and wrap your face and ears in a moist, warm, NOT hot, towel. Drink warm liquids. If you have frostbitten feet or toes, avoid walking.

When treating frostbite, refer to these tips. If frostbite is severe, it is best to seek medical attention. Since the skin becomes numb when frostbitten, it is difficult to know how severe your case might be. Look for any changes in skin color.

 

Hypothermia 

Alt Text: Slide titled: What is hypothermia? The background image is a closeup picture of a frozen lake with trees in the distance. A text box below the title says: A life threatening condition when the body temperature drops below 95°F due to prolonged exposure to the cold. Two more text boxes explain how it works, and who is most at risk.

Hypothermia is a serious condition in which your body temperature drops below 95 degrees. When you body temperature is too low, it affects your brain, making you unable to think clearly or move well. Know the warning signs of hypothermia.

Alt Text: Slide titled: Knowing the signs of hypothermia. A picture on the left showing the warning sign of hypothermia: confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, stiff muscles. The text box on the right says: hypothermia is a medical emergency: if you notice any warning signs of hypothermia and the person’s temperature is below 95° F – Get medical attention!

Hypothermia symptoms can begin gradually and people are not always aware of their condition. Confusion prevents self awareness of hypothermia as it alters your ability to understand the danger.

Alt Text: Slide titled: Preventing hypothermia. On the left are 3 pictures depicting how to dress for chilly weather, cold weather, and extremely cold weather. On the right text with check marks says: know how to dress for the weather. Limit your time out in the cold. Change clothing if you become wet. Check on the elderly and those with mental illnesses. Make sure your furnace is well maintained, heat is ON and set to a reasonable temperature.

The best way to prevent hypothermia is to limit your time outdoors and dress appropriately for the cold and stay dry. Make sure your heat is working properly and check on the elderly and those living alone.

If someone might have frostbite or hypothermia, seek medical attention immediately! Get to a warm area. Remove wet clothing. Warm up with dry layers of blankets or clothing. Place skin affected by frostbite in warm water (not hot). Frostbite caution: do not use fireplaces or artificial heat sources for warming. Do not rub or put pressure on areas with frostbite.

Cold outside? Avoid the risk of frostbite and hypothermia by dressing in layers, covering exposed skin, and limiting time outdoors. If someone might be experiencing either condition, seek medical attention immediately — and know your actions.

Winter Driving Prep 

Alt Text: A slide titled: Is your vehicle ready for winter? and says Now is the time to ensure your vehicle is ready to go. There is the image of a car with an emergency kit inside it and text boxes with tips and advice and arrows pointing to the different parts of the car that you should winterize.

Winterizing your vehicle is an essential part of winter weather preparedness. Spending some time now to make sure your vehicle is in tip top shape, will go a long way to keeping you safe this winter season.

Alt Text: A slide titled: Winter Driving, check these off before you go. Shows a picture of a the side of a Jeep Wrangler on a slushy road with snow on the ground and trees in the background. Various text boxes point to parts of the vehicle and the road and explain winter driving tips.

Make sure to check off these tips before venturing out during adverse winter weather conditions. Utilizing these tips will help ensure you are doing all you can to prepare for hazardous winter driving conditions, if you must travel.

 

Pictured: A man brushes snow from the roof of his car. Text: Thank you for removing snow from the roof of your car.

Please thoroughly clean snow off your car — including the roof. Snow left on car roofs can fly off your vehicle when in motion, creating potentially dangerous situations for you and those driving behind you.

Alt Text: Picture shows snowy scene with traffic stopped at a stoplight. Text: Are you planning a lengthy trip by car this winter? Know how to prepare! Check out this short video on preparing for winter travel

Are you planning a lengthy trip by car this winter? Know how to prepare, and know that the decisions that need to be made will differ depending on where you are on the Winter Travel Timeline: youtu.be/ZzjarXUsDtA

 

Winter Driving Tips 

Alt Text: A slide titled: Vehicle accident causes in winter. Background image is an aerial view of a snowy road through trees. Text reads: sudden reductions in visibility, loss of traction (even in minor ice/snow accumulations), overconfidence, speed, overcorrecting, braking too hard, following too closely, distracted driving. For accident prevention/decrease casualties - reduce your speed! High speeds allow for loss of vehicle control and difficulty stopping.

Many winter weather related vehicle accidents are a result of a handful of bad driving habits or road conditions.  Reducing your speed, making gentle movements and staying focused make a big difference in reducing accidents.

Alt Text: Slide titled: Change the way you drive. Background image is of a car on a snow covered road through trees. Text boxes give tips on how you should change your driving to be safe in the winter. Middle of the slide says, slow down!

Here are a bunch of helpful tips when it comes to winter driving. Review these before heading out on snowy/icy roadways. Share this information with young or newly licensed drivers as well.

Alt text: Pictured: A truck tire with snow between the treads. Text: Trucks & SUVs can lose traction in ice and snow. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can lose traction in bad weather. All vehicles are susceptible to ice and snow. Know your limits.

Even trucks and SUVs with four-wheel drive can still lose traction in the snow. Stay Weather-Ready by always using extra caution when driving in wintry conditions — no matter what you’re driving.

Alt text: Protect yourself from snow squalls. If a Snow Squall Warning is issued, delay travel. If you’re already driving, safely exit the road at the next opportunity. If you cannot exit the road in time: Slow down, but avoid slamming the brakes. Turn on your low-beam headlights and hazard lights. Pull over safely to the side of the road, and remain in the vehicle with your seatbelt on.

During a snow squall, the last place you want to be is on the road. Delay travel if a snow squall warning is issued. If you’re caught on the road when a snow squall occurs, use extreme caution. Slow down, turn on your low-beams and hazards, and pull over safely to the side of the road, and when safe, quickly exit your vehicle and move as far from the road as possible.

Alt text: Ice and Snow, Take It Slow. Did you know? Each year in the United States, there are over 1,000 deaths and 100,000 injuries due to vehicle crashes during winter weather. Clean off your vehicle before driving. Flying snow from cars causes accidents. Keep it slow, and don’t use cruise control. Roads can be slick even if they just look wet. Leave extra distance between vehicles. Stay especially far from snow plows.

Winter driving can be hazardous. Slow down to keep yourself and everyone on the road safe. Remember, “Ice and snow, take it slow”.

Alt text Why Do Bridges Freeze First? No ground underneath means the entire structure can be surrounded by cold air. Freezing isn't uniform, shaded parts can be icy while sunny parts aren't. Slow down before the bridge, as changing speed on ice is dangerous

You’ve probably seen road signs advising that bridges freeze before roads, but do you know why? Having open air underneath the bridge means the cold air surrounds the bridge both above and below. If there’s even the chance that a bridge might be frozen, SLOW DOWN! And do it before you cross the bridge — changing speed on ice is dangerous.

Alt text Don't Let Black Ice Sneak up On You. It can form on any road, but also along curbs and drainage areas due to melting snow. More prevalent at night, but can still be around in the morning. Don't drive during freezing temperatures after rain or snowmelt.

When recent rain or snowmelt comes into contact with freezing temperatures, black ice can form — and you might not even see it. And while black ice is more prevalent at night, it can often stick around for the morning commute. Use extreme caution when driving...don’t let black ice sneak up on you.
 

Alt Text: Slide titled: What if I'm trapped in my vehicle? A purple text box says: Stay in your vehicle. Be visible to rescuers. It then has tips on what to do inside and outside your vehicle. The final tip says: Exercise from time to time! Move your arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

While we never plan on it, there may be a time when extreme winter weather becomes more than you can handle and you become stranded in a storm. Play it safe and use these tips if ever caught in this dangerous situation.

 

Indoor/Outdoor Winter Safety Tips

Alt text: Slide titled: Indoor winter safety tips. Home fires are common this time of year as people are trying to stay warm. Text has tips for using heat sources, how to stay safe by using smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, extreme cold tips, and what to do if you don't have heat.

Many deaths during the winter season can be attributed to improper use of alternate heat sources, including carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. Always properly ventilate heat sources. Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Alt Text: A light purple slide titled: Prepare your home for winter. On the right is a supplies checklist. A teal text box on the left says: Remember that the primary concerns are dealing with the loss of heat, power, and phone service, along with a shortage of supplies if a storm continues for a long period of time. A teal text box on the bottom says: Don’t forget about your animals! Make sure animals and pets have shelter as well as plenty of food and water!

There are several things you can do to prepare yourself for the winter season, from having your home stocked with supplies, to keeping your vehicle topped off on gas to knowing what to do to keep your pipes from freezing. Review these tips to keep you safe.

Alt Text: Slide that says: What if I'm trapped inside? Pink text box says: Stay inside! If using an alternate heat source, be sure to use fire safeguards and properly ventilate. Eat and drink, provide your body with energy and prevent dehydration. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill. If you don't have heat available: close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels in cracks under doors, cover windows to keep in heat.

While we never plan on it, there may be a time when extreme winter weather becomes more than you can handle and you become stranded in a storm. Play it safe and use these tips if ever caught in this dangerous situation.

Alt Text: Slide titled: Prevent house fires due to alternate heat sources. Background picture is of a woman lying on the flood in front of a wood burning stove. Text says: plug only one alternate heat source into an electrical outlet at a time. Do not use extension cords or power strips. Make sure the cord is not damaged. Keep alternate heat sources at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn or ignite. Turn off your alternate heat source (i.e. space heaters) and blow out candles before leaving a room or going to sleep. Have a qualified professional clean/inspect your chimney. Never use a gas stove, oven, or outdoor grill to heat your home.

When it's cold outside or your power has gone out, many people may utilize alternate heat sources to keep their home warm. It is imperative to use these sources properly and take all necessary safety precautions. Check out https://www.ready.gov/winter-ready for more tips.

Don’t slip! Icy surfaces can lead to serious injuries! Help prevent ice by salting walkways and turning off sprinklers in advance of the cold. Walk on treated or non-icy surfaces with better traction, if possible. Wear proper winter footwear with rubber treads. Take slow, short steps so that you’ll be able to react to icy conditions.

Slipping on an icy sidewalk can lead to serious injuries or even death, especially for the elderly. Help prevent the formation of ice by salting walkways and turning off sprinklers in advance of cold weather.

Alt Text: A slide titled: What if I’m trapped outside? Two blue text boxes say: If you are trapped outside…find shelter, attempt to stay dry, cover all exposed body parts. If there is no shelter available…build a lean-to, wind break, or snow cave for protection from the wind, build a fire for heat and to attract attention, place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat, melt snow for water.

While we never plan on it, there may be a time when extreme winter weather becomes more than you can handle and you become stranded in a storm. Play it safe and use these tips if ever caught in this dangerous situation.

Alt Text: a slide titled: After a winter storm. Text on the left says: While in clean up mode, be alert for falling tree branches caked with snow and/or ice. Use caution walking to avoid slips and falls. Check latest road conditions before going out. Use extra caution driving if there is any residual snow and/or ice. Shoveling can be a strain on your heart- move small amounts at a time and take frequent breaks.

Everyone deals with the aftermath of a winter storm differently. Some stay home and wait for conditions to improve. Many go out to shovel or clean up their yard. Whatever you do, always be aware of the hidden aftermath dangers of winter storms.

 

Sneaky Winter Hazards

Alt text: Sneaky Winter Hazards: Freezing drizzle. The fine layer of ice that forms during freezing drizzle may be hard to notice on the road, but it is one of winter's most dangerous types of weather. Safety tips: slow down; don't use cruise control; leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.

When surface temperatures are below freezing, drizzle will form a thin layer of ice on the roads. This difficult-to-see ice can cause very dangerous travel conditions. When it’s drizzling in the winter, slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep your distance from other vehicles. Don’t let freezing drizzle sneak up on you!

Alt text Sneaky Winter Hazards: Rain with a temperature near freezing. Ice can form on roads and lead to dangerous travel when the air temperature or road temperature drops below freezing. Safety tips: slow down; don't use cruise control; leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.

Rain may seem like less of a winter driving hazard than snow, but when temperatures are near freezing, that’s not the case. Ice can form quickly and make roads slick. In these conditions, slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep plenty of distance between you and other vehicles. Don’t let this winter hazard sneak up on you!

Sneaky Winter Hazards: First snow. The first snow of the year can often cause major problems on the road as people adjust to the poor driving conditions. Safety tips: slow down; don't use cruise control; leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.

While lots of snow in the middle of winter can certainly cause dangerous travel conditions, many times it’s the first little bit of snow of the season that can cause accidents. Be extra careful as you and other drivers adjust to driving in poor conditions. Slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep your distance from other vehicles. Don’t let the first snow sneak up on you!

Alt text Sneaky Winter Hazards: Sun glare. The low sun angle and possibility of fresh fallen snow means that even when the forecast is bright and sunny, your drive may be hazardous. Safety tips: Slow down; use sunglasses and your car's visor; leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.

While lots of snow in the middle of winter can certainly cause dangerous travel conditions, many times it’s the first little bit of snow of the season that can cause accidents. Be extra careful as you and other drivers adjust to driving in poor conditions. Slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep your distance from other vehicles. Don’t let the first snow sneak up on you!

Sneaky Winter Hazards: Dense fog. Fog can be hazardous to driver, mariners, and aviators, and contributes to thousands of travel accidents every year. Visibility often changes quickly in fog. Safety tips: slow down; use your low-beam headlights; leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.

Visibility can change quickly in fog, creating hazardous driving conditions. Slow down, use your low-beam headlights, and leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles. Don’t let fog sneak up on you!

 

En Español

Alt Text: Acondicione Su Casa Para el Invierno. Inspeccione su chimenea. Selle puertas/ventanas con masilla y tiras. Aisle las tuberías expuestas. Aisle su ático. Limpie las canaletas. Instale y pruebe las alarmas de humo y detectores de monóxido de carbono (con baterías de reserva). Reuna suministros. Su casa no es la única que puede acondicionarse para el invierno. ¡Sus vecinos y personas vulnerables podrían necesitar su ayuda también!

A medida que se acerca el invierno, hay pasos que puede seguir para preparar su hogar para el tiempo frío que se avecina. Obtenga más información ene que un puente esté helado, ¡REDUCE TU VELOCIDAD! Y hazlo antes de cruzar el puente - frenar sobre hielo es peligroso. weather.gov/safety/winter

Alt Text: Signos de Aviso de Hipotermia: Confusión. Temblor. Dificultad hablando. Somnolencia. Músculos rígidos. Pequeñas variaciones en la trayectoria pueden causar grandes diferencias en los totales de nieve para las ciudades.

Si nota que alguien muestra signos de hipotermia, llévelo a un lugar cálido inmediatamente. Protéjase del frío este invierno en weather.gov/safety/cold

Alt Text: VISTIÉNDOSE PARA EL FRÍO añadir capas le ayudará a mantenerse caliente a medida que la temperatura baja FRESCO: 1-2 capas. capas largas. capa exterior, mantiene fuera viento, lluvia. zapatos calientes impermeables. FRÍO: 2-3 capas. guantes. 1-2 capas. sombrero caliente. capa exterior, mantiene fuera viento, nieve mojada. botas, impermeable. EXTREMADAMENTE FRÍO: 3+ capas, 1 aislante. guantes. 2+ capas. sombrero caliente. máscara facial. capa exterior, mantiene fuera el viento. botas, impermeables

Abrigándose en capas y manteniéndose seco es una de las mejores cosas que puede hacer para mantenerse seguro este invierno. Protégete del frío este invierno. weather.gov/safety/cold

 

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