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Winter Weather
Winter Storm Watch: Indicates winter weather in the form of light to heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and or blizzard conditions may occur in the time allotted but is not guaranteed. A watch is often followed up by an upgrade to a warning or a downgrade to an advisory. Coverage area: Multiple counties up to entire states. Length of time: Often 48 hours before the beginning of the actual winter weather event.
Winter Weather Advisory: Indicates winter weather in the form of light snow, sleet, freezing rain and/or freezing drizzle may cause minor travel problems in the advisory area. This is considered to be more of a nuisance and less of a life threatening situation. Coverage area: Multiple counties up to entire states. Length of time: A few hours to an entire day.
Winter Storm Warning: Indicates winter weather in the form of light to heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle are occurring or are imminent. Conditions during a Winter Storm Warning are considered to be life threatening if you are caught out in it. It is recommended you stay home and reduce travel during this type of alert. Coverage area: Multiple counties up to entire states. Length of time: Often 24-48 hours.
Blizzard Warning: Indicates winter weather in the form of light to heavy snow with high winds at or above 45 mph are occurring or are imminent. The combination of wind and snow will decrease visibility to 1/4 mile or less for at least three hours. Conditions during a Blizzard Warning are considered to be life threatening if you are caught out in it. It is recommended you stay home and restrict all travel during this type of alert. Coverage area: Multiple counties up to entire states. Length of time: Often 24-72 hours.
Ice Storm Warning: Indicates winter weather in the form of light to heavy freezing rain or sleet is occurring or is imminent. Ice accumulation of at least 1/4" clear glaze is likely and can be much greater. Some Ice Storm Warnings have resulted in amounts of clear glaze ice exceeding 1". Conditions during an Ice Storm Warning are considered to be life threatening if you are caught out in it. It is recommended you stay home and restrict all travel during this type of alert. Coverage area: Multiple counties up to entire states. Length of time: Often 24-72 hours.
Winter Weather Advisory: Indicates winter weather in the form of light snow, sleet, freezing rain and/or freezing drizzle may cause minor travel problems in the advisory area. This is considered to be more of a nuisance and less of a life threatening situation. Coverage area: Multiple counties up to entire states. Length of time: A few hours to an entire day.
Winter Storm Warning: Indicates winter weather in the form of light to heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle are occurring or are imminent. Conditions during a Winter Storm Warning are considered to be life threatening if you are caught out in it. It is recommended you stay home and reduce travel during this type of alert. Coverage area: Multiple counties up to entire states. Length of time: Often 24-48 hours.
Blizzard Warning: Indicates winter weather in the form of light to heavy snow with high winds at or above 45 mph are occurring or are imminent. The combination of wind and snow will decrease visibility to 1/4 mile or less for at least three hours. Conditions during a Blizzard Warning are considered to be life threatening if you are caught out in it. It is recommended you stay home and restrict all travel during this type of alert. Coverage area: Multiple counties up to entire states. Length of time: Often 24-72 hours.
Ice Storm Warning: Indicates winter weather in the form of light to heavy freezing rain or sleet is occurring or is imminent. Ice accumulation of at least 1/4" clear glaze is likely and can be much greater. Some Ice Storm Warnings have resulted in amounts of clear glaze ice exceeding 1". Conditions during an Ice Storm Warning are considered to be life threatening if you are caught out in it. It is recommended you stay home and restrict all travel during this type of alert. Coverage area: Multiple counties up to entire states. Length of time: Often 24-72 hours.
