Winter Weather in North Dakota
Winter Weather Safety
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The National Weather Service Issued A What?
The National Weather Service issues a variety of watches, warnings and advisories during times of severe winter weather. Keep the following weather words in mind this winter season:
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Watch
Watches are issued when the risk of a hazardous winter weather event has increased, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. Watches are usually issued a day or two before the event. Watches may be dropped, or upgraded to advisories or warnings
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Warnings and Advisories
Are issued when a hazardous winter weather event is occurring, is imminent, or has a high probability of occurrence. A Warning is used when there is a threat to life or property. Advisories are for less serious conditions that cause inconvenience, and, if caution is not used, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property. |
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Blizzard
By definition a blizzard is a storm with winds of 35 mph or higher AND visibility frequently below ¼ mile in snow and/or blowing snow AND these conditions last for three (3) hours or longer. There is no set temperature requirement for a blizzard. |
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Extreme Cold - 2011-2012 update
Extreme cold watches and warnings will be issued in place of wind chill watches
and warnings, and will account for dangerously cold conditions,
whether it is dangerously cold because of temperature and wind, or
dangerously cold because of temperature with little or no wind.
For west and central North Dakota, extreme cold is defined
as temperatures 30 below zero or colder, or a combination
of temperature and wind that makes it feel like 30 below zero
or colder, over a large geographical area, and for at least
several hours.
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Warning and Advisory Type
Winter Storm Warnings are issued for combination events, like snow mixed with sleet or freezing rain, or combined with wind and blowing snow. Generally, the criteria for a Winter Storm Warning is six inches of snow in 12 hours or less, or, eight inches of snow in 24 hours or less. When significant and damaging freezing rain is expected, an Ice Storm Warning would be issued. Winter Weather Advisories are issued for combination events (snow with freezing rain or sleet, or snow with wind and blowing snow) but there should be no threat to life or property if caution is exercised. Advisories are issued when the event is not expected to meet warning criteria. Freezing Rain advisories are issued when mainly freezing rain is forecast but it is not expected to reach warning criteria. |
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