Weather Definitions
Winter Weather Terms
Winter Storm Warning
Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy
freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings
are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
Winter Storm Watch
Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain,
or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 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 3 to 5 days
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 ¼ mile; these conditions should persist
for at least three hours.
Lake Effect Snow Warning
Issued when heavy lake effect snow is imminent or occurring.
Lake Effect Snow Advisory
Issued when accumulation of lake effect snow will cause significant
inconvenience.
Wind Chill Warning
Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life
within several minutes of exposure.
Wind Chill Advisory
Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant
inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and, if caution is not exercised,
could lead to hazardous exposure.
Winter Weather Advisories
Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet
which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised,
could lead to life-threatening situations.
Dense Fog Advisory
Issued when fog will reduce visibility to ¼ 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.
Winter Storm Warning
Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy
freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings
are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
Winter Storm Watch
Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain,
or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 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 3 to 5 days
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 ¼ mile; these conditions should persist
for at least three hours.
Lake Effect Snow Warning
Issued when heavy lake effect snow is imminent or occurring.
Lake Effect Snow Advisory
Issued when accumulation of lake effect snow will cause significant
inconvenience.
Wind Chill Warning
Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life
within several minutes of exposure.
Wind Chill Advisory
Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant
inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and, if caution is not exercised,
could lead to hazardous exposure.
Winter Weather Advisories
Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet
which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised,
could lead to life-threatening situations.
Dense Fog Advisory
Issued when fog will reduce visibility to ¼ 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.
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