Anniston Army Depot
Weather Preparedness: Know the importance of weather definitions
Caption: During the night of April 2 and the morning of April 3, 1987, at least four inches of snow fell in the Anniston area. A couple of depot employees are making good use of their breaktime to read the latest news in The Federal Times and the Anniston Army Depot TRACKS newspaper. To learn more about the 1987 snowstorm: https://www.alabamawx.com/?p=6203.
from NOAA.gov
Blizzard Warning: Issued when winds of 35 mph or greater are combined with blowing and drifting snow with visibilities of a quarter mile or less.
Winter Storm Warning: Issued when a combination of hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
Winter Storm Watch: Issued 12-48 hours in advance of the onset of severe winter conditions. The watch may or may not be upgraded to a winter storm warning, depending on how the weather system moves or how it is developing.
Winter Weather Advisories: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.
Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure.
For Wind Chill Advisory: Issued for a wind chill situation that could cause significant in-conveniences, but do not meet warning criteria. Criteria for issuing wind-chill warnings and advisories are set locally.
How many inches of snow equals one inch of rain?
On average, thirteen inches of snow equals one inch of rain in the U.S., although this ratio can vary from two inches for sleet to nearly 50 inches for very dry, powdery snow under certain conditions.
For more winter weather information from NOAA see the National Severe Storms Laboratory site at http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/.
For Information on how to protect yourself before, during and after a winter storm, see the “How to Prepare for a Winter Storm” article at Winter Weather | Ready.gov
All ANAD employees should tune into local news outlets or other means of gathering information in the event of an emergency on the installation.
Inclement weather status
Throughout the year, one of the most likely threats to the installation comes in the form of inclement weather.
Inclement weather conditions could warrant a change in the depot’s operational status. In the event of hazardous weather conditions, tune in to local area media for changes.
Radio Stations: WCKA – AM 810, 94.3 and 97.1 FM; WDNG – AM 1450 and 95.1 FM; WGRW – 90.7 FM; WTDR – 92.7; WFHK – AM 1430 and 94.1 FM; and WVOK – 97.9 FM.
TV Stations: WBMA – ABC 33-40, WBRC – Fox 6, WVTM – NBC 13 and WIAT – CBS 42.
Newspapers: The Anniston Star will post information on their website at www.annistonstar.com.
For additional winter weather information, visit the Winter/Severe Weather Awareness page on the ANAD homepage, check the ANAD Facebook page or call the SNOW line at 256-235-SNOW (7669).
Where to go on depot
All ANAD buildings are government property and are the direct responsibility of the ANAD Commander. During a tornado emergency, each building designated as severe weather safe areas will be open for shelter.
Building owner/coordinators will plan for and accommodate people who seek shelter in their Emergency Action Plan.
Do not shelter in areas with chemical vats, large roof spans or overhead cranes, hoists and other loose equipment. Close all steel rollup doors on occupied buildings during storm warning events. Go to interior rooms or areas with the shortest possible roof span overhead.