......WINTER WEATHER TERMS AND DEFINITIONS |
Winter Storm Warning: Issued when a combination of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is expected. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued six to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin. |
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Winter Storm Watch: Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 36 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm. |
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Winter Storm Outlook: Issued prior to a Winter Storm Watch. The outlook is given when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible and are usually issued 48 to 60 hours in advance of a winter storm. |
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Blizzard Warning: Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below 1/4 mile; these conditions should persist for at least three hours. |
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Lake Effect Snow Warning: Issued when lake effect snow is expected to occur. A Lake Effect Snow Advisory also cautions for the possibility of snow. |
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Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be less than 34 degrees below zero. |
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Wind Chill Advisory: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be between 20 below and 34 degrees below zero |
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Winter Weather Advisories: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconvenience and moderately dangerous conditions. |
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Dense Fog Advisory: Issued when fog will reduce visibility to 1/8 mile or less over a widespread area. |
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Snow Flurries: Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected. |
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Snow Showers: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible. |
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Snow Squalls: Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant. Snow squalls are best known in the Great Lakes region. |
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Blowing Snow: Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting. Blowing snow may be snow that is falling and/or loose snow on the ground picked up by the wind. |
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Sleet: Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists. |
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Freezing Rain: Rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard. |