Winter weather related warnings, watches, and advisories explained

WASHINGTON - During the winter months, the National Weather Service often issues warnings, watches and advisories ahead of weather-related events like snowstorms.

These are based on local criteria - for example, the amount of snow that triggers a Winter Storm Warning in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia is typically higher than the amount needed to trigger the same warning in the southeast.

Here’s what some of the terminology means according to the NWS:

Weather Warnings Explained

Blizzard Warnings: Issued for frequent gusts of 35 mph or higher, combined with falling and/or blowing snow, reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile for three hours or more. Severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow, coupled with strong winds and poor visibility, can lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely difficult. Avoid travel. If you must travel, carry a winter survival kit and stay with your vehicle if you get stranded.

Winter Storm Warnings: Issued for significant winter weather events, including snow, ice, sleet, or blowing snow, or a combination of these hazards. Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations. Delay travel plans until conditions improve.

Ice Storm Warnings: Issued for ice accumulation of around 1/4 inch or more. This amount of ice accumulation makes travel dangerous or impossible and can lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches. Travel is strongly discouraged.

Wind Chill Warnings: Issued for a combination of very cold air and strong winds that create dangerously low wind chill values. This level of wind chill can result in frostbite and hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Avoid going outdoors and wear warm protective clothing if you must venture outside.

Lake Effect Snow Warnings: Issued for widespread or localized snow squalls or heavy showers induced by lakes, leading to significant snowfall accumulation. Lake effect snow typically forms in narrow bands, affecting limited areas. These bands can produce very heavy snow and sudden reductions in visibility, making driving conditions hazardous at times.

Weather Watches Explained

Winter Storm Watches: Issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event, such as heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storms, or a combination of these conditions.

Wind Chill Watches: Issued when there is a potential for extremely cold air and strong winds to create dangerously low wind chill values. 

Weather Advisories Explained

Winter Weather Advisories: Issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or a combination of these elements is expected, but not severe enough to meet warning criteria. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible travel difficulties. Exercise caution when driving.

Wind Chill Advisories: Issued when low wind chill temperatures are anticipated but won't meet local warning criteria. Extremely cold air and strong winds will create low wind chill readings. If you need to go outside, take precautions to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

Lake Effect Snow Advisories: Issued for widespread or localized lake effect snowfall (and blowing snow) that remains below warning criteria. Expect lake effect snow showers, making travel difficult in some areas. Some localized snow bands may produce several inches of snow and sudden reductions in visibility.

More Weather Terms 

Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes upon contact with the ground, creating a layer of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.

Sleet: Rain that turns into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet can cause roads to become slippery and hazardous.

Wind Chill: The perceived coldness due to the combined effect of wind and cold temperatures. 

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