...WARNING...

Tornado Warning
(TOREKA)
TO.W.0000

Issued when a tornado is indicated by radar or sighted by storm spotters. The warning will include where the tornado is, direction of movement, and what towns/locations will be in its path.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
(SVREKA)
SV.W.0000

Issued when a thunderstorm produces hail 3/4 of an inch or larger in diameter and/or winds which equal or exceed 58 mph. Severe thunderstorms can result in the loss of life and/or property. Information in this warning includes where the storm is, where it is moving, and what towns/locations will be affected, and the primary threat associated with the storm.

Flash Flood Warning
(FFWEKA)
FF.W.0000

Issued to inform the public that flash flooding is imminent or occurring, generally less than 6 hours after the causative event, when there is a rapid rise in water levels in small rivers, creeks and other small drainages, or for mudslides in burn areas.

Flood Warning
(FLWEKA)
FL.W.0000

Issued when flooding is expected to occur more than 6 hours after the causative event (i.e. heavy rain, snow melt or reservoir releases). Flood warnings are issued for forecast points, areas along rivers and streams, and for counties or portions of counties.

Tsunami Warning
(TSUWCA/TSWEKA)

Issued when a potential tsunami with significant widespread inundation is imminent or expected. Warnings alert the public that widespread, dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents is possible and may continue for several hours after arrival of the initial wave. Warnings also alert emergency management officials to take action for the entire tsunami hazard zone. Appropriate actions to be taken by local officials may include the evacuation of low-lying coastal areas, and the repositioning of ships to deep waters when there is time to safely do so. Warnings may be updated, adjusted geographically, downgraded, or canceled. To provide the earliest possible alert, initial warnings are normally based only on seismic information..
[West Coast Alaska Tsunami Warning Center Procedure Chart]

Winter Storm Warning
(WSWEKA)
WS.W.0000

Issued when the following conditions are occurring or expected in the next 36 hour period of the forecast: when there is an 80% or greater chance of a combination of snow, wind, freezing rain and/or sleet exceeding heavy snow, blizzard, ice storm and/or heavy sleet warning criteria. If only one hazardous event is occurring or is expected to occur, the warning shall be issued as an event-specific warning.

Heavy Snow Warning
(WSWEKA)
HS.W.0000

- ABOVE 7000 feet -12+ inches in 12 hrs or 18+ inches in 24 hrs.
- 3000 to 7000 feet - 8+ inches in 12 hrs or 12+ inches in 24 hrs.
- BELOW 3000 feet - 5+ inches in 12 hrs or 7+ inches in 24 hrs.

Also, for the first significant Autumn or Winter snow, or for an unusually late Spring snow:
- Zone 1: Any snow below 1000 ft.
- Zone 2: Any snow below 2000 ft.
- Zone 3, 4 and 76: 4+ inches in 12 hrs or 6+ inches in 24 hrs.
[Zone Map]

Blizzard Warning
(WSWEKA)
BZ.W.0000

Issued for a winter storm which produces the following conditions for 3 hours or longer: 1) sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater, 2) considerable falling and/or blowing snow reducing visibility frequently to less than ¼ mile.

Ice Storm Warning
(WSWEKA)
IS.W.0000

Issued for ice (freezing rain) accumulations of ¼ inch or more.

Heavy Sleet Warning
(WSWEKA)
IP.W.0000

Issued for sleet (ice pellet) accumulations of ½ inch or more.

Wind Chill Warning
(NPWEKA)
WC.W.0000

Issued for a wind chill of -30 degrees F or lower with wind of 10 mph or greater. [Wind Chill Chart]

Avalanche Warning
(AVWEKA)

Issued by USFS National Avalanche Center when avalanches are imminent or occurring in the mountains; usually issued for a 24 hour period.

High Wind Warning
(NPWEKA)
HW.W.0000

Issued within the next 36 hr period with sustained winds ≥ 40 mph (≥ 35 knots) or gusts ≥ 58 mph (≥ 50 knots), affecting a substantial portion of the area.

Excessive Heat Warning
(NPWEKA)
EH.W.0000

Issued for Heat Index (HI) values of 115 degrees F or greater during the day, and an overnight Heat Index of 80 degrees or greater. [Heat Index Chart]

Coastal Flood Warning
(CFWEKA)
CF.W.0000

Issued when significant and dangerous coastal flooding is expected in the next 36 hours.

Hurricane Force Wind Warning
(CWFEKA)
HF.W.0000

Sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph) or greater, or frequent gusts for greater than 2 hours over at least half of the marine zone, forecast or occurring.

Storm Warning – Marine
(CWFEKA)
SR.W.0000

Sustained winds of 48 to 63 knots (55 to 73 mph), or frequent gusts for greater than 2 hours over at least half of the marine zone, forecast or occurring.

Gale Warning – Marine
(CWFEKA)
GL.W.0000

Sustained winds of 34 to 47 knots (39 to 54 mph), or frequent gusts for greater than 2 hours over at least half of the marine zone, forecast or occurring.

Hazardous Seas Warning – Marine
(CWFEKA)
SE.W.0000

Waves of 10 to 18 feet that are ‘Very Steep’ according to the Wave Warning/Advisory Chart, and all waves of 18 feet and greater, for greater than 2 hours over at least half of the marine zone, forecast or occurring. 
[Wave Warning/Advisory Chart]

High Surf Warning
(CFWEKA)
SU.W.0000

Issued when Significant Wave Height of 24 feet or greater is expected, or occurring in the next 36 hours.

Special Marine Warning
(SMWEKA)
MA.W.0000

Issued to provide notification of short duration marine hazards such as waterspouts, funnel clouds, or severe thunderstorms.

Red Flag Warning
(RFWEKA)
FW.W.0000

Issued if ‘Red Flag’ conditions are imminent or ongoing. Warnings are issued within 24 hours of the onset of the event. For specific criteria see the
[Red Flag Guidance/Verification Matrix] 

Freeze Warning
(NPWEKA)
FZ.W.0000

Issued for minimum shelter temperatures of 32 degrees F and below over a substantial portion of the area during the growing season:

- Zone 1 and 2: March 1 through November 30.
- Zone 3 and 76: April 1 through October 15.
- Zone 4: May 1 through October 15.
[Zone Map]

Hard Freeze Warning
(NPWEKA)
HZ.W.0000

Issued for widespread shelter temperatures of 29 degrees F and below occurring over a substantial portion of Zone 1 and/or Zone 2, at anytime during the year.
[Zone Map]

Dust Storm Warning
(NPWEKA)
DS.W.0000

Issued for blowing dust which reduces visibility to ¼ mile or less.

...WATCH...

Tornado Watch
(WCNEKA)
TO.A.0000

Issued when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Watches are usually in effect for several hours, with 6 hours being the most common.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch
(WCNEKA)
SV.A.0000

Issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Watches are usually in effect for several hours, with 6 hours being the most common.

Flash Flood Watch
(FFAEKA)
FF.A.0000

Issued when meteorological, soil, or hydrologic conditions indicate flash flooding is possible, or if a dam could fail and threaten life and property, but the threat does not yet appear imminent. The possible flood would occur within less than 6 hours of the causative event.

Flood Watch
(FFAEKA)
FF.A.0000

Issued to inform the public that current and developing hydro conditions are such that there is a threat of flooding, but the occurrence is neither certain nor imminent.

Tsunami Watch
(TSUEKA/TSAEKA)

Issued to alert emergency management officials and the public of an event which may later impact the watch area. The watch area may be upgraded to a warning or advisory - or canceled - based on updated information and analysis. Therefore, emergency management officials and the public should prepare to take action. Watches are normally issued based on seismic information without confirmation that a destructive tsunami is underway.
[West Coast Alaska Tsunami Warning Center Procedure Chart]

Winter Storm Watch
(WSWEKA)
WS.A.0000

Issued within 12-48 hours of an event when conditions are favorable for a winter storm event (heavy snow, blowing snow, heavy ice, heavy sleet or a combination of events), which will meet or exceed Winter Storm Warning conditions. Issued when there is a 50% or greater chance of a combination of snow, wind, freezing rain and/or sleet exceeding warning criteria.

Blizzard Watch
(WSWEKA)
BZ.A.0000

Issued within 12-48 hours of an event when conditions are favorable to meet or exceed Blizzard Warning conditions.

Wind Chill Watch
(WSWEKA)
WC.A.0000

Issued within 12-48 hours of an event when conditions are favorable to meet or exceed Wind Chill Warning conditions. [Wind Chill Chart]

Avalanche Watch
(AVAEKA)

Issued by USFS National Avalance Center when natural and triggered avalanches are possible.

High Wind Watch
(NPWEKA)
HW.A.0000

Issued within 12-48 hours of an event when conditions are favorable for a high wind event: sustained winds ≥ 40 mph (≥ 35 knots) or gusts ≥ 58 mph knots
(≥ 50 knots).

Excessive Heat Watch
(NPWEKA)
EH.A.0000

Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet/exceed Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 12 to 48 hours.
[Heat Index Chart]

Coastal Flood Watch
(CFWEKA)
CF.A.0000

Alerts the public of possible, significant coastal flooding within the next 48 hours.

Fire Weather Watch
(RFWEKA)
FW.A.0000

Issued when there is reasonable confidence that a 'Red Flag' event will occur. Watches are issued 12-72 hours prior to the onset of on event, but may be issued within the first 12 hours for the occurrence of dry lightning.
For specific criteria see the [Red Flag Guidance/Verification Matrix] 

Freeze Watch
(NPWEKA)
FZ.A.0000

Conditions are favorable for a freeze event to meet or exceed Freeze Warning criteria in the next 12 to 48 hours.

Hard Freeze Watch
(NPWEKA)
HZ.A.0000

Conditions are favorable for widespread shelter temperatures of 29 degrees F and below to occur in the next 12 to 48 hours over a substantial portion of Zone 1 and/or Zone 2, at anytime during the year.
[Zone Map]

...ADVISORY...

Areal Flood Advisory:
-Urban/Small Stream Advisory -Flood Advisory
(FLSEKA)
FL.S.0000

Issued when flooding of streets, underpasses, low-lying areas, storm drains is occurring. Issued when advisory level flooding is expected to be over a wide area (which cannot be quantified using a flood warning, for river forecast points).

Tsunami Advisory
(TSUWCA/SPSEKA)

Issued due to the threat of a potential tsunami which may produce strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or near the water. Coastal regions historically prone to damage due to strong currents induced by tsunamis are at the greatest risk. The threat may continue for several hours after the arrival of the initial wave, but significant widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Appropriate actions to be taken by local officials may include closing beaches, evacuating harbors and marinas, and the repositioning of ships to deep waters when there is time to safely do so. Advisories are normally updated to continue the advisory, expand/contract affected areas, upgrade to a warning, or cancel the advisory.
[West Coast Alaska Tsunami Warning Center Procedure Chart]

Winter Weather Advisory
(WSWEKA)
WW.Y.0000

Issued when a combination of precipitation (i.e. snow and sleet, rain and wet snow, etc.) is occurring or expected.  A winter weather event significant to the public, but not enough of a threat to life or property to warrant a warning. If only one type of precipitation is expected, then the advisory should be issued as event specific.

Snow Advisory
(WSWEKA)
SN.Y.0000

- 3000-5000 feet – 4 to 7 inches in 12 hours or 6 to 11 inches in 24 hours.
- Below 3000 feet – 2 to 4 inches in 12 hours or 4 to 6 inches in 24 hours.
- Rare event – (i.e. coastal plain) any amount or for the first significant fall snow or unusual late spring snow.

Blowing Snow Advisory
  (WSWEKA)
BS.Y.0000

Issued when sustained winds less than 35 mph are accompanied by blowing snow, reducing visibilities to ¼ mile or less, and lasting for 3 hours or more.

Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory
  (WSWEKA)
SB.Y.0000

Issued when snow is forecasted to fall at advisory level criteria, and when sustained winds less than 35 mph are accompanied by blowing snow, reducing visibilities to ¼ mile or less, and lasting for 3 hours or more.

Freezing Rain/Drizzle Advisory
(WSWEKA)
ZR.Y.0000

Issued for freezing rain/drizzle accumulations below ice storm warning criteria.

Sleet Advisory
(WSWEKA)
IP.Y.0000

Issued for an accumulation of sleet below heavy sleet warning criteria, which would create a significant hazard.

Wind Chill Advisory
(WSWEKA)
WC.Y.0000

Issued for the following areas and criteria:
- Zones 1 and 2: wind chill of 0 to -30.
- Zones 3, 4, and 76: wind chill of -10 to -30. [Wind Chill Chart]
[Zone Map]

Wind Advisory
(NPWEKA)
WI.Y.0000

Issued for expected or occurring sustained winds of 35 to 39 mph (30 to 34 knots) or gusts of 45 to 57 mph (39 to 49 knots).

Heat Advisory
(NPWEKA)
HT.Y.0000

Issued when the Heat Index (HI) is expected to be 105 degrees F or greater and overnight lows of 75 degrees F or greater are expected to last for one or two days. [Heat Index Chart]

Coastal Flood Advisory
(CFWEKA)
CF.Y.0000

Issued to inform customers that minor coastal flooding (not resulting in significant damage) is expected or occuring, such as flooding associated with abnormally high astronomical tides, or a combination of waves and high tide, is expected or occurring, usually within the next 12 hrs.

Small Craft Advisory for Winds – Marine
(CWFEKA)
SI.Y.0000

Issued when sustained winds of 21 to 33 knots or gusts lasting for greater than 2 hours are expected or occurring.
Note: There is no legal definition of “small craft”

Small Craft Advisory for
Hazardous Seas – Marine
(CWFEKA)
SW.Y.0000

Issued when wind waves of 6 feet or greater, but less than 10 feet are expected or occurring, or issued for swell heights of 10 feet or greater.            
[Wave Warning/Advisory Chart]
Note: There is no legal definition of “small craft”

Small Craft Advisory – Marine
(CWFEKA)
SC.Y.0000

Issued when small craft conditions for both winds and hazardous seas are expected to occur at the same time.
Note: There is no legal definition of “small craft”

Small Craft Advisory for Rough Bar – Marine*
(CWFEKA)
RB.Y.0000

Issued for specified areas near harbor or river entrances (bars) when particularly hazardous wave conditions are expected.
*Effective date of this product is TBD
Note: There is no legal definition of “small craft”

High Surf Advisory
(CFWEKA)
SU.Y.0000

Issued when Significant Wave Height of 18 feet or greater, but less than 24 feet, is expected or occurring in the next 36 hours.

Dense Fog Advisory
(NPWEKA)
FG.Y.0000

Issued for widespread or localized fog reducing visibilities to ⅛ mile or less.

Dense Smoke Advisory
  (NPWEKA)
SM.Y.0000

Issued for widespread or localized smoke reducing visibility to ¼ mile or less.

Blowing Dust Advisory
(NPWEKA)
DU.Y.0000

Issued for strong winds over dry ground that has little or no vegetation, that can lift dust particles in the air. Issued when dust reduces visibilities to ¼ mile or less.

Freezing Fog Advisory
(NPWEKA)
ZF.Y.0000

Issued for fog which freezes on contact with exposed objects and forms a coating of rime and/or glaze.

Frost Advisory
(NPWEKA)
FR.Y.0000

Issued for temperatures between 33 and 36 degrees F with radiational cooling expected (i.e. clear skies and calm winds) over a substantial portion of the area during the growing season:
- Zones 1 and 2: March 1 through November 30
- Zones 3 and 76: April 1 through October 15
- Zone 4: May 1 through October 15.
[Zone Map]

Ashfall Advisory
(NPWEKA)
AF.Y.0000

Issued for the areas which are experiencing ash deposition or resuspension of ash by the wind.

...STATEMENT...

Severe Weather Statement
(SVSEKA)
SV.S.0000

Issued to follow up, or to cancel a Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm Warning. Includes important information on the progress of severe weather elements and/or the reason for ending the warning.

Flash Flood Statement
(FFSEKA)
FF.S.0000

Issued to follow up, or to cancel a Flash Flood Warning, Watch, or Advisory. The statement will contain the latest information on the event (i.e. reports of flooding, damage, etc.), and/or the reason for canceling the warning, watch, or advisory.

Flood Statement
(FLSEKA)
FL.S.0000

Issued to follow up, or to cancel a Flood Warning, Watch, or Advisory. The statement will contain the latest information on the event (i.e. reports of flooding, damage, etc.), and/or the reason for canceling the warning, watch, or advisory.

Hydrologic Statement
(RVSEKA)
HY.S.0000

Issued when significant rises of rivers are expected, but when rivers are still expected to remain below flood stage.

Coastal Flood Statement
(CFWEKA)
CF.S.0000

Issued to follow up or cancel a Coastal Flood Warning, Watch, or Advisory.

Marine Weather Statement
(MWSEKA)
MA.S.0000

Issued to inform mariners of significant or potentially hazardous conditions not otherwise covered in existing warnings or forecasts. Also issued to provide follow-up information on Special Marine Warnings (i.e. to expire, cancel or update).

Tsunami Information Statement
(TIBWCA)

Issued to inform emergency management officials and the public that an earthquake has occurred, or that a tsunami warning, watch or advisory has been issued for another section of the ocean. In most cases, information statements are issued to indicate there is no threat of a destructive tsunami and to prevent unnecessary evacuations as the earthquake may have been felt in coastal areas. An information statement may, in appropriate situations, caution about the possibility of destructive local tsunamis. Information statements may be re-issued with additional information, though normally these messages are not updated. However, a watch, advisory or warning may be issued for the area, if necessary, after analysis and/or updated information becomes available.
[West Coast Alaska Tsunami Warning Center Procedure Chart]

Special Weather Statement
(SPSEKA)

Issued to provide the public with information concerning ongoing or imminent weather hazards (except short term convection) or winter weather/non precipitation outlook information.

Public Information Statement
(PNSEKA)

Issued to inform the public of changes in service or technical changes.

...OUTLOOK...

Hazardous Weather Outlook
(HWOEKA)

Issued to highlight possible hazardous/severe weather threats from days 1 through 7 associated with convective weather, winter weather (when there is a 30% or greater chance), fire weather, floods, high winds, and/or marine hazards (including high surf and coastal flooding), etc. Weather threats that would be included are those that would be expected to reach the level that poses a threat to lives and/or property, and typically require the issuance of an additional outlook, watch, or warning (i.e. Winter Weather Outlook, High Wind Outlook or Freeze Outlook). Advisories, or the potential thereof, are also mentioned in the HWO to communicate to the public that nuisance type weather can be expected which may be dangerous if caution is not taken.

Hydrologic Outlook
(ESFEKA)

Issued if precipitation forecasts or snow melt potential indicate the possibility of flooding beyond 36 hours. This product may also be used to provide additional hydrologic information such as seasonal water supply and/or dry weather conditions. Additional forms of a Hydrologic Outlook - Flood Potential Outlook, Winter/Spring Snowmelt Outlook, Water Supply Outlook.

...OTHER...

Short Term Forecast
(NOWEKA)

Designed to give specific, detailed forecast information for the next 1 to 6 hours for a specified location. Both routine and near-severe information are contained in these forecasts which are normally issued during active weather periods.

Local Storm Report
(LSREKA)

Used to distribute severe and/or significant weather reports to the media, emergency managers, and other NWS offices. It is issued as reports are received, and may also be issued as a collection of all reports received after an event is over. Delayed reports are also disseminated after an event is over.

Child Abduction Emergency
- Amber Alert
(CAEEKA)

Issued to assist law enforcement agencies in the event of a child abduction.

Civil Emergency Message/Danger Warning
(CEMEKA)

Issued in coordination with Federal, state or local government to warn the general public of a non-weather related, time-critical emergency which threatens life or property (i.e. nuclear accident, toxic chemical spill, etc.).