Warnings     |     Watches     |      Advisories

 
Warnings
Conditions are occurring or imminent
Tornado A severe thunderstorm has developed and has either produced a tornado or radar has indicated intense low level rotation in the presence of atmospheric conditions conducive to tornado development
Severe Thunderstorm A severe thunderstorm has developed, capable of producing hail greater than 1 inch in diameter and/or 50 knot (58 mph) wind speeds
Flood Long duration areal or river flooding is occurring or is imminent, which may result from excessive rainfall, rapid snow melt, ice jams on rivers or other similar causes
Flash Flood Excessive rainfall producing thunderstorms have developed, leading to short duration flash flooding. A warning may also be issued if a dam break has occurred
Blizzard 35 mph or greater wind speeds, considerable falling or blowing snow, and visibilities frequently below a quarter mile are expected to prevail for 3 hours or more
Winter Storm Snow amounts of 6 inches or more in 12 hours, or 8 inches or more in 24 hours, are expected. These may or may not be accompanied by wind or other phenomena. A warning may also be issued if conditions will be approaching blizzard criteria, even if snowfall amounts are not expected to reach the criteria above
Ice Storm Ice accumulations of a quarter inch or more are expected
Wind Chill Widespread wind chill values around -35° or colder, with at least a 5 to 10 mph wind
Excessive Heat Hennepin & Ramsey counties: Maximum heat index at MSP Airport reaches 100° or greater for at least 1 day. In addition, the Heat Watch/Warning System, a tool develop based on research, must recommend a warning. A warning may also be issued if advisory criteria are expected for 4 days in a row
Outside Hennepin and Ramsey counties: Maximum heat index reaches 105° or greater and a minimum heat index of 75° or greater for at least 48 hours. A warning may also be issued if advisory criteria are expected for 4 days in a row
Hard Freeze Widespread temperatures below 28° are expected during the growing season
Freeze Widespread temperatures below freezing are expected during the growing season
High Wind Synoptic scale gradient winds (those not associated with thunderstorms) or mesoscale winds associated with wake lows are expected to reach speeds of 40 mph or greater, sustained for at least 1 hour, or 58 mph or greater gusts

Watches
Conditions are favorable or expected by not occurring or imminent
Tornado Atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes
Severe Thunderstorm Atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms, producing at least 1 inch diameter hail and/or 50 knot (58 mph) or greater wind speeds
Flood Atmospheric and hydrologic conditions are favorable for long duration areal or river flooding
Flash Flood Atmospheric and hydrologic conditions are favorable for short duration flash flooding and/or a dam break is possible
Blizzard 35 mph or greater wind speeds, considerable falling or blowing snow, and visibilities frequently below a quarter mile are expected to prevail for 3 hours or more
Winter Storm Severe winter storm conditions are expected to occur, including heavy snow, significant ice or sleet accumulations, and any of the above accompanied by strong winds that may lead to significant visibility reductions
Wind Chill Widespread wind chill values around -35° or colder, with at least a 5 to 10 mph wind
Excessive Heat Hennepin & Ramsey counties: Maximum heat index at MSP Airport is expected to reach 105° or greater for 1 day, or the maximum heat index is expected to reach 100° or greater and an overnight low temperature no cooler than 75° for 2 days in a row. In addition, the Heat Watch/Warning System must recommend a watch
Outside Hennepin and Ramsey counties: Maximum heat index reaches 105° or greater and a minimum heat index of 75° or greater for at least 48 hours
Freeze Widespread temperatures below freezing are expected during the growing season
High Wind Synoptic scale gradient winds (those not associated with thunderstorms) or mesoscale winds associated with wake lows are expected to reach speeds of 40 mph or greater, sustained for at least 1 hour, or 58 mph or greater gusts

Advisories
Special Weather Statement A thunderstorm has developed and is capable of producing hail and gusty winds that approach but do not reach those contained in a severe thunderstorm, such as pea-sized hail and 40 to 50 mph winds.
Flood Advisory Thunderstorms have produced heavy rainfall that may result in ponding of water on roadways and in low-lying areas, as well as rises in small stream levels, none of which pose an immediate threat to life and property
Winter Weather Any one of a combination of the following winter weather elements is expected: 3 to 6 inches of light snow, light sleet accumulation, light ice and snow or sleet accumulation, or significant visibilty reductions due to light snow and/or blowing snow
Freezing Rain Light ice accumulation is expected
Wind Chill Widespread wind chill values around -25° or colder, with at least a 5 to 10 mph wind
Excessive Heat Hennepin & Ramsey counties: Maximum heat index at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is expected to reach 105° or greater for 1 day, or the maximum heat index is expected to reach 100° or greater and an overnight low temperature no cooler than 75° for 2 days in a row.
Outside Hennepin and Ramsey counties: Maximum heat index reaches 100° and/or the maximum temperature reaches 95° or higher
Frost Widespread temperatures of 33 to 36 degrees are expected during the growing season
Wind Sustained winds of 30 to 39 mph are expected to last for at least 1 hour
Dense Fog Widespread visibilities of a quarter mile or less are expected
Freezing Fog Very light ice accumulation is expected from freezing fog

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