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Winter Weather Products and Operations

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Mission Statement

WFO Springfield will strive to accurately forecast winter weather and effectively communicate the potential of and existing winter weather hazards to the public. Through the continual assessment and enhancement of services, improvement in forecasting skill, and utilization of new technology, the goal of WFO Springfield is to better serve the Public.

I.     Event Flow Chart  | II.   WSW Product Criteria | III.    Product Table |

Event Flow Chart

WSW Criteria

• Winter Storm Watch

Conditions are favorable for the development of hazardous winter weather conditions that Winter Storm warning criteria but the occurrence is still uncertain. Watches are issued 24 to 48 hours in advance of hazardous winter weather.

• Winter Storm Warning

Snowfall with an accumulation 6" or greater or a combination of freezing rain, sleet, and/or snow that results in hazardous or life threatening conditions.  Winter storm warnings are issued within 12 to 36 hours of the event.

             Warnings for combination events are generally be issued when

             significant ice  accumulations (at least a glaze ) and snow

             accumulations of 3 inches or  greater are expected.

• Heavy Snow Warning

                All Snowfall with an accumulation 12" or greater.  

• Ice Storm Warning

             Ice accumulations of 1" or greater expected.

• Winter Weather Advisory

                           Issued for snow accumulations less than 6" or the combination of

                           snow,  freezing rain/drizzle, sleet that cause a significant

                           inconvenience but does not meet warning criteria.  Advisories are

                           issued within 12 to 36 hours of the event. 


• Freezing Rain / Drizzle Advisory

               Hazardous ice accumulations less than 1/4" expected.
  

• Blizzard Warning

  Sustained or frequent gusts to 35 kts or more and 1/4 mile visibility or less in falling and/or blowing snow expected within 12 to 36 hours.
  

III. Product Table

Type of Event	Product Headers	Outlook (HWO)	Advisory	Watch	Warning	Update Statement	Cancel	Storm Summary
Snow	Winter Storm Warning Heavy Snow Warning	HWO	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW	PNS & LSR
Freezing Rain	Freezing Rain/Drizzle Advisory Ice Storm Warning Winter Storm Warning	HWO	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW
Sleet	Winter Weather Advisory Winter Storm Warning	HWO	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW
Mixed	Winter Weather Advisory Winter Storm Warning	HWO	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW