Snow Alerts: How New Extreme Cold Warnings Are Changing Winter Safety

This winter, the Tri-State area experiences revamped cold weather alerts as temperatures drop to record lows. New warnings from NOAA are designed to better protect people, crops, and communities.

Winter Challenges in the Tri-State

Communities in Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois prepare each year for the harsh cold that sweeps through the region. While snow creates a picturesque landscape, the reality is severe cold can be dangerous.

Changes in Cold Weather Alerts

This season brings an important update. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has updated its cold weather alert system to improve clarity and effectiveness.

Wind Chill Advisories have been replaced.
New categories include Extreme Cold Warning and Cold Weather Advisory.
These aim to provide more precise guidance during icy conditions.

The Meaning Behind the New Warnings

Although weather alert language might seem technical, it has serious implications. Last winter, NOAA introduced this new system based on how people respond to alerts.

"The Extreme Cold Warning now replaces the Wind Chill Warning. When this warning is issued, it means the risk isn’t just about discomfort—it’s about immediate threats to health and safety."

Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, and hypothermia becomes a serious risk if the body loses heat faster than it can be restored.

Author's Summary

NOAA’s new extreme cold warnings aim to sharpen winter safety by highlighting urgent health risks during severe cold snaps.

Azat TV — 2025-11-06