With winter approaching, the National Weather Service warns that "hazardous weather can strike with little notice. Tornadoes strike with unwanted regularity."

As winter approached six years ago, Tennesseans experienced a Veterans Day tornado outbreak.

Severe thunderstorms with downburst winds and large hail occur even more frequently.

Even with the current drought in East and Middle Tennessee, floods and flash floods can wash people and property away with little notice.

The winters the past few years have been relatively mild across the region and lulled everyone into a feeling that those were what a "normal" winter is like.

But the Christmas Eve 1998 ice storm caused more than $17 million in damage and widespread transportation problems.

The winter of 1995-96 saw many areas of the Southeast experiencing a number of very heavy snow and ice storms.

The National Weather Service warns, "Even without snow or ice, intense cold can injure or kill before a person is aware they are at risk. Fatalities from hypothermia have occurred in air temperatures of 40 to 50 degrees. Persons with certain chronic health conditions and those over 65 are more at risk for hypothermia, even within the home.

"One hazard we do not often associate with winter is flooding. Floods occur when too much rain or melted snow fill river or creek basins too quickly.

"Along Tennessee's rivers and streams, flooding is a natural part of life and most common during winter and early spring. Frozen ground, sparse vegetation, and less evaporation are all factors that allow water to run off the land and reach the rivers quickly during the cold months.

"The National Weather Service in Morristown and the Tennessee Emergency management Agency will highlight Nov. 18-20 to bring these hazards to the attention of the public," the weather service in Morristown said.

"We will be sending information through our communications network including the National Weather Service's NOAA Weather Radio during this period. We hope you will all join in this effort to make this the safest winter possible," the weather service said.

The weather service has decided to make things more simple starting this winter, by paring back on the number of "winter products" it issues.

"Instead of a Snow Advisory, Freezing Drizzle Advisory, or Sleet Advisory, we simply will issue a Winter Weather Advisory and then describe within that product what is happening," said Meteorologist in Charge George Mathews. "This will make life more simple for our partners because there won't be such a patchwork of varied products from weather service offices that have just a slightly different take on the most significant weather threat, etc.

"Just to let you know exactly what I'm talking about, last year we had the option of issuing Snow Advisories, Sleet Advisories, Blowing Snow Advisories, as well as Snow and Blowing Snow Advisories that have all been absorbed into the catch-all Winter Weather Advisory."

* Winter Weather Advisory: Will be issued when ice or snow is expected to hinder travel, but conditions are not serious enough to require warnings.

* Freezing rain: When expected rain is likely to freeze as soon as it strikes the ground, potentially creating a coat of ice on roads and walkways. Sleet consists of small particles of ice mixed with rain. Sleet causes roads to freeze and become slippery.

* Winter Storm Watch: Means that severe winter weather is possible within the next day or two.

* Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter weather conditions are expected within the next 24 hours. A blizzard warning means that heavy snow and winds of 35 mph or more are expected.

The National Weather Service advises, "Be Prepared for winter storms by keeping a battery-powered radio and flashlights in working order along with a stock of extra batteries.

"When a storm is expected to arrive, store drinking water and have food that can be prepared without an electric or gas stove. Stock emergency water and cook-ing supplies. Have candles and matches available in case of a power outage. Be careful how you use them.

"Be certain that needed medications are available.

"Be Prepared for isolation at home. Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. Have some kind of emergency heating equipment and fuel so that you can keep at least one room warn, but do NOT use a gas fired grill inside the home. Take measures to protect plumbing from freezing. Contact local utilities for winter tips.

"Keep your car or truck 'winterized.' Winterizing includes being certain about antifreeze protection levels and use a gasoline additive to reduce gasoline freezing. Carry a "Winter Car Kit" that includes high energy foods, a windshield scraper, flashlight, tow rope or chain, shovel, tire chains, blanket, bag of sand or salt, fluorescent distress flag and an emergency flare -- all in case you're trapped in your vehicle by a winter storm. Keep extra gloves, mittens, hats, earmuffs and outerwear in the vehicle throughout the winter.

The weather service also warns, "Do not drive into worsening conditions. If you must travel, take winter driving seriously. Travel by daylight, and keep others informed of your schedule. Drive with extreme caution. Never try to save time by driving fast or by using backroad shortcuts.

"If a blizzard traps you in your vehicle, pull off the highway, stay calm and remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Set your directional lights to "flashing" and hang a cloth or distress flag from the radio antenna or window.

"Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful, because distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but actually may be too far away to walk to in deep snow.

If you run the engine to keep warm, open a window slightly for ventilation. This will help protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.

"Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coats as blankets.

"Never let everyone in the car sleep at one time. One person should always be awake to look out for rescue crews.

"Be careful not to use up all battery power. Balance electrical energy needs -- the use of lights, heat and radio with supply. At night, turn on the inside dome light, so work crews can spot you.

"If in a remote area, spread a large cloth or the vehicle floor mats on the snow to attract rescue personnel who may be surveying the area from above. Once the blizzard passes, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot to better shelter."