Snowstorms now rated   ~  PEPS Jan. 9, 2010 - The storm that dumped heavy snow in Washington, Philadelphia and Baltimore from Dec. 18-20, 2009 has been classified a Category 3 or "Major" winter storm by NOAA.
Snowfall in northern Virginia during the Dec. 18 -20, 2009 storm

SIMILAR to the Saffir-Simpson scale that classifies hurricanes, the NESIS scale, or the Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale, was developed in 2004. It catalogues new storms and those dating back to 1888. Two storms were rated Category 5 or “Superstorm” – the “Blizzard of ‘96” and a March, 1993 storm.

Topping the NESIS scale is Category 5 or “Superstorm.” Only two storms have been classified as Category 5 - one in March, 1993 and the “Blizzard of ’96” in January, 1996.

“While snowfall from the December storm [2009] ranked in the top ten for Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia, the storm only provided a glancing blow to the New York City and Boston metropolitan areas and overall affected a relatively small area. This led to it being classified as a Category 3,” Louis Uccellini, director of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction – a division of NOAA’s National Weather Service – and co-developer of NESIS with Paul Kocin, said. "Last month's storm was one of only five in the past decade that ranked Category 3 or higher," Kocin added. Both Uccellini and Kocin are published winter weather experts, according to information from NOAA.

Snowstorm are beautiful weather events but also very dangerous. According to the CDC, exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious and life-threatening health problems, including frostbite and [blue]hypothermia[/blue]. Frostbite causes skin to appear red and feel painful. Without immediate medical attention, skin will then turn white or grayish and feel firm, waxy or numb. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness.

Although it is best to stay inside on bitterly cold days such as much of the nation is facing this weekend, the CDC offers the following safety tips to protect those who must go outside in winter weather:

1. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: layers of light, warm clothing;

mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.

2. Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches.

3. Be aware of the wind chill factor.

4. Work slowly when doing outside chores.

5. Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in

outdoor recreation.

6. Avoid traveling when the weather service has issued advisories.

7. If you must travel, inform a friend or relative of your proposed route

and expected time of arrival.

8. Carry a cell phone.

On the last tip, it is also a good idea to carry a battery charger with you as well. Some cars are equipped with outlets to charge batteries but there are also adapters that can be purchased for cars without direct electrical outlets.

NOAA is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration