| Term |
Definition |
| Winter Storm Watch |
Adverse winter weather is possible in the watch area. |
| Winter Storm Warning |
Hazardous winter weather will occur in the warning area. |
| Heavy Snow |
Snowfall accumulating to 6 inches or more in 12 hours; OR, 8 inches or more in 24 hours. |
| Blizzard |
The following conditions are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer:
- sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater; and,
- considerable falling and/or blowing snow (frequently reducing visibilities to less than 1/4 mile).
|
| Ice Storm |
Heavy ice accumulations will cause extremely dangerous and damaging situations, such as icy roads and downed power lines. |
| Winter Weather Advisory |
Winter weather conditions (including snow, blowing snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle) are expected to cause significant inconveniences. |
| Wind Chill Warning |
Issued when the wind chill is 35 below zero or colder. At minimum, a 10 mph wind should be occurring or forecast. |
| Wind Chill Advisory |
Issued when the wind chill ranges from 20 below zero to 34 below zero...with a minimum of a 10 mph wind. |
| Freeze Warning |
Issued when surface temperatures are expected to be below freezing for a significant amount of time during the growing season. |
| Frost Advisory |
Issued when widespread frost is expected during the growing season...generally when temperatures in the lower to mid 30s, clear skies and light winds are forecast. |
| High Wind Warning |
Issued for non-convective wind gusts of 58 mph or greater; OR, sustained winds of 40 mph or greater expected to last one hour or longer. |
| Wind Advisory |
Issued for non-convective wind gusts of 45 mph or greater; OR, sustained winds of 30 mph or greater expected to last one hour or longer. |