National Weather Service Forecast Office - Memphis, TN

� 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.
� 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.
� 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).
� 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.
� 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.
� 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.
� 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.
� 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.
� 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.
� 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.
� 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).