Since cold air is usually found on the north side of a storm and milder air on the south side, wintry precipitation generally falls in areas north of the track of the storm's center.

Freezing Rain
Freezing rain is caused by rain droplets that freeze on contact with the ground or objects near the ground, leaving a frozen glaze. The temperature of the ground must be below freezing, and the rain droplets must exist in a liquid state at temperatures below freezing for freezing rain to occur.

Freezing rain can glaze roadways with ice causing extremely hazardous driving conditions.

Bridges and overpasses typically freeze more quickly than other surfaces and are particularly dangerous.

Sleet
Sleet falls to earth as ice pellets. These ice pellets are formed as snowflakes melt into raindrops as they pass through a thin layer of above-freezing air. The rain drops than refreeze into particles of ice as they pass through a sub-freezing layer of air near the ground.

Snow
Snow is frozen precipitation in the form of six-side crystals. Snow is produced when water vapor is deposited directly into o airborne particles as ice crystals, which remain frozen as they fall. When temperatures remain below freezing from the cloud to the ground, snow results.

Blowing Snow can be snow that has already fallen and is blown from the ground by the wind, or snow that is blown as it falls.

Heavy Snow is snow that is falling and reducing visibility to a quarter of a mile or less.

Blizzards are when blowing snow and/or falling snow combines with sustained winds of 35 miles per hour or greater, reducing visibility to a quarter of a mile or less for at least 3 hours.

In average winter temperatures most dogs enjoy being outdoors. They need their walks or wide open space to release some of their energy. Many dogs absolutely love to run and play in snow. Huskies and other Artic breeds have coats designed for winter. Some sporting and herding breeds also have dense undercoats to keep them warm and dry. Other dogs need extra protection from the cold. Unless they have their own cozy fur coats, dogs living in winter climates need outerwear for warmth and comfort on cold windy days. Dogs who shivered on moderately cold fall days will need a warm sweater or coat and lots of encouragement to go outside in harsh winter weather. Some dogs love wearing coats and being dressed-up. For others, it's something they'll learn to tolerate.

If, for whatever reason a dog must live outside - Do not use metal water dishes. A dog’s tongue can stick to the frozen metal. When it's cold enough to for water to freeze, give lukewarm water at least twice a day or get a self-heated water dish. Feed a good quality dog food and increase the daily amount. Staying warm burns alot of calories.

Cold weather can be hard on cats, just like it can be hard on people. When the thermometer dips below freezing, it is important to protect your cats from the cold spell. The most important is to keep your cat indoors. Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your cat inside with you and your family. Being outdoors, unattended, does nothing to improve the quality of your cat’s life.

Especially important for every outdoor cat is to have a place adequate sheltered during cold weather. Ensure your cat with insulated house. The house should be large enough for turning around, yet small enough to conserve body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Never use newspaper, towels, or blankets inside a cat's shelter. They will retain the cold and become stiff and hard. Instead, use straw. During the winter, cats sometimes sleep under the hood of your cars or in the garage where it is warm and comfortable. You should be aware that the antifreeze is of particular concern, as it can be deadly for cats that lick it from garage floors. If your cat sleeps under the hood of your car, when you start the motor she could get caught in or flung about by the fan belt, causing serious injury or even death. To prevent this, bang loudly on the hood and sides of your car before turning on the ignition to give the cat a chance to escape.

Questions

1. What is "winter" like where you live?

2. Do you live inside or outside in winter?

3. Why should metal dishes not be used outdoors?