� Winter Storm Outlook (SPS) |
Winter
Weather Examples |
A "Winter Storm Outlook" may be issued when there is a good
chance of a major winter storm, but the occurrence is expected to be
beyond 48 hours into the future. It is intended to provide
information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the
event. This product sometimes is issued as a "Special Weather
Statement" as well.
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� Winter Storm Watch (WSW) |
Winter
Weather Examples |
A "Winter Storm Watch"
will be issued when conditions are favorable for hazardous
winter weather conditions to develop. Unlike a Tornado
Watch or a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Winter Storm Watches
are issued by the local office. Generally, this type
of watch is issued for weather conditions that could occur
24 to 48 hours in the future. Information in the watch
will include the affected area, the weather threat involved,
potential precipitation amounts, explanation of what a watch
is, the uncertainty involved, precautions recommended, and
the storm's potential impact.
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� Winter Storm Warning (WSW) |
Winter
Weather Examples |
A "Winter Storm
Warning" is issued when a combination of hazardous
winter weather is occurring, is imminent, or is
expected. Winter Storm Warnings are issued when one or
more of the following is expected:
� Snowfall of 4+ inches in 12 hours, or 6+ inches in
24 hours
� Significant or damaging amounts of freezing rain
(ice).
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� Blizzard Warning (WSW) |
Winter
Weather Examples |
A "Blizzard Warning"
will be issued when winds of 35 mph (sustained or frequent
gusts) or stronger combine with considerable falling,
blowing, and/or drifting snow, for 3 hours or more with
visibilities of 1/4 mile or less. This condition will
be extremely infrequent in the Mid-South.
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� Heavy Snow Warning (WSW) |
Winter
Weather Examples |
A "Heavy Snow Warning"
is issued when snowfall of 4+ inches in 12 hours, or 6+
inches in 24 hours is expected. If strong winds and
low wind chills are expected in addition to the heavy snow,
then a Winter Storm Warning or Blizzard Warning will be
issued instead.
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� Ice Storm Warning (WSW) |
Winter
Weather Examples |
An "Ice Storm Warning"
is issued when significant or damaging accumulations of ice
are expected during freezing rain situations. Heavy
accumulations of ice produce extremely dangerous and
damaging situations, primarily by pulling down trees and
utility lines.
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� Winter Weather Advisory (WSW) |
Winter
Weather Examples |
A "Winter Weather
Advisory" is issued for a winter weather situation that
causes significant inconveniences, but does not meet warning
(see above) criteria. The winter weather can still be
life threatening if caution is not exercised. A
Winter Weather Advisory is issued if more than one type of
hazardous winter weather is expected, is occurring, or is
imminent.
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� Blowing Snow Advisory (WSW) |
Winter
Weather Examples |
A "Blowing Snow
Advisory" is issued if blowing snow is expected to
reduce visibilities to around 1/2 mile or less, causing
hazardous travel. This can also be issued for drifting
snow, in which case it is called a "Drifting Snow
Advisory." The two can also be combined.
This is also very infrequent in the Mid-South.
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� Snow Advisory (WSW) |
Winter
Weather Examples |
A "Snow Advisory" is
issued when snow is expected to accumulate 1 to 3 inches in
a 12-hour period.
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� Freezing Drizzle Advisory (WSW) |
Winter
Weather Examples |
A "Freezing Drizzle
Advisory" is issued to give advance notice that drizzle
will create a light coating of ice (a glaze) on exposed
surfaces and objects. Walking and driving can become
treacherous in these conditions.
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� Freezing Rain Advisory (WSW) |
Winter
Weather Examples |
A "Freezing Rain
Advisory" is issued when rain freezes, or is expected
to freeze, on surfaces and objects, making walking and
travel dangerous. Heavy accumulations of ice would
require an Ice Storm Warning (see above).
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