|
......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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
|
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.
|
|
| 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. |
|
| Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill
temperatures are expected to be less than 34 degrees below zero. |
|
| Wind Chill Advisory: Issued when wind chill
temperatures are expected to be between 20 below and 34 degrees below zero |
|
| Winter Weather Advisories: Issued for accumulations
of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant
inconvenience and moderately dangerous conditions. |
|
|
Dense Fog Advisory: Issued when fog will
reduce visibility to 1/8 mile or less over a widespread area.
|
|
| Snow Flurries: Light snow falling for short
durations. No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected. |
|
|
Snow Showers: Snow falling at varying intensities
for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.
|
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
www.weather.gov 
