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. Criteria for snow is 7 inches or more in 12 hours or less; or 9 inches or more in 24 hours covering at least 50 percent of the zone or encompassing most of the population. Use "mid-point" of snowfall range to trigger warning (i.e 5 to 8 inches of snow = warning). Criteria for ice is 1/2 inch or more over at least 50 percent of the zone or encompassing most of the population.
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.
An ice storm warning is issued when an ice storm event is expected to meet or exceed local ice storm warning criteria in the next 12 to 36 hours. Criteria for ice is 1/2 inch or more over at least 50 percent of the zone or encompassing most of the population.
A lake effect snow warning is issued when a lake effect snow event is expected to meet or exceed local lake effect snow warning criteria in the next 12 to 36 hours. Widespread or localized lake induced snow squalls or heavy snow showers which produce snowfall accumulation to 7 or more inches in 12 hours or less. Lake effect snow usually develops in narrow bands and impacts a limited area within a county or forecast zone. Use "mid-point" of snowfall range to trigger warning (i.e 5 to 8 inches of snow = warning).
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.
Winter advisories 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, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences, but if sufficient caution is exercised, do not usually threaten life and property.
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 more on your weather forecast, click on "Weather" and then the "Live Triple Doppler Radar" tab on our weather page. Make sure you refresh the Doppler radar to see the very latest information, as well.
Furthermore, we have our new Interactive Doppler Radar on our website. You can zoom down to street level with Interactive Doppler Radar. You are in total control of where the radar can zoom in. Give it a try.
Plus, click on our Severe Weather Tab and our Watches and Warnings map to see the very latest county specific watches and warnings. In addition, you can become my facebook friend here, and "follow" along with me on Twitter here.
