Winter is around the corner. Time to get prepared.
The following web story is a direct transcription from the National Weather Service regarding winter weather awareness week. We are an important partner with the National Weather Service to educate and remind everyone about the many hazards that a New York winter brings and how to keep safe for the winter season. This is the fifth and final part of this series on winter weather safety.
Today’s topic will focus on the terms the National Weather Service uses to describe winter weather as well as the definitions of watches, warnings and advisories issued for winter weather events. A winter storm outlook is issued prior to a winter storm watch. The outlook is issued when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible. Outlooks are usually issued 3 to 5 days in advance of a winter storm. In general, a winter storm watch alerts the public to the possibility of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or a combination of snow and ice. Winter storm watches are usually issued 24 to 72 hours before the beginning of a winter storm. These events may occur separately or in combination. Since watches are issued so far in advance, there will be times when the storm does not materialize, so they may be cancelled. A blizzard watch is issued when blizzard conditions are possible 24 to 72 hours in advance. A blizzard is a very serious life-threatened winter storm. On the other hand, a warning is issued when hazardous weather is imminent or has already begun. It is issued for conditions which pose a threat to life and property.
The following terms are the warning headlines issued for winter weather events. A winter storm warning is issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, heavy sleet or any combination of heavy precipitation with strong wind, is imminent or occurring. Winter storm warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin. A blizzard warning is issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below one quarter mile. These conditions should persist for at least 3 hours. A lake effect snow warning is issued when heavy lake effect snow is imminent or occurring. A wind chill warning is issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure, usually at temperatures below minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit. An advisory is issued for less serious weather conditions. Specific advisories will alert you to weather that would have a significant effect on motorists, outdoor activities, or public events.
The following terms are the advisory headlines issued for winter weather events. A winter weather advisory is issued for accumulations of snow, or a combination of snow and ice which will cause significant inconveniences, but if sufficient caution is exercised, do not usually threaten life and property. A freezing rain advisory is issued for any accumulation of ice under one half inch. Roads will become very slippery but the ice is not expected to significantly impact trees and power lines. A lake effect snow advisory is issued when accumulations of lake effect snow will cause significant inconvenience. A wind chill advisory is issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to hazardous exposure.
For additional information on winter weather safety, click here.
