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ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER WEATHER ?
A goal of the National Weather Service is to provide information on winter storms, with enough
advance notice to allow the whole community to take actions needed to prepare for and deal with
adverse and sometimes dangerous weather conditions. As the threat of severe winter weather draws
closer, and the confidence in the location and timing of the event increases, the National Weather
Service will issue various bulletins that become increasingly more specific. Here is what these
bulletins mean, and what precautions you should take:
NOAA's National Weather Service uses a four-tier approach to alert the
public for the potential for severe weather or high fire danger. This four-tier
approach consists of outlooks, advisories,
watches and warnings.
1) Hazardous Weather Outlook or Winter Storm Outlook...
A hazardous weather outlook is issued to alert people when conditions are favorable for
hazardous winter weather to develop within the next 3 to 7 days. This is intended for those groups that
require considerable lead time to prepare for the event.
ACTION: Stay tuned to local media or monitor NOAA Weather Radio for updates. Evaluate
your emergency action plan and the resources you have in your home, car or work place to deal with a winter storm.
2) Snow Advisory..
Snow Advisories are issued when a winter weather event is
occurring, imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence. These types
of products are used for winter weather situations that are less severe than a
Warning, but will cause significant inconvenience.
Snow Advisories may be upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning
if the snowfall is becoming or expected to become heavier.
3) Winter Storm Watch...
Winter Storm Watches are issued to indicate that conditions are favorable for
hazardous winter weather, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still
uncertain. Generally, watches are issued about 12 hours or more in advance of a
possibly significant winter weather system.
ACTION: You should prepare now and ensure that all emergence plans and resources are in place.
Winter Storm Watches may be upgraded to Winter Storm Warnings, if conditions warrant.
4) Winter Storm Warning...
Winter Storm Warnings are issued when a winter weather event is occurring, imminent, or has a very high
probability of occurrence. Warning products are used for conditions that pose a threat to life or property.
Winter Storm warnings are also issued for widespread, significant and possibly damaging accumulations of
freezing rain (Ice Storm Warning).
ACTION: YOU SHOULD ACT NOW. STAY INDOORS IF POSSIBLE UNTIL THE STORM ENDS.
LIMIT ANY TRAVEL TO ONLY WHAT IS ESSENTIAL
5) Freezing Rain Advisory...
Freezing Rain Advisories are issued when light freezing rain or drizzle is
occurring, imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence. These types
of products are used for winter weather situations that are less severe than a
Warning, but will cause significant inconvenience. Accumulations of ice are
light, making sidewalks and roadways slippery. Damage is localized and main
danger is hazardous travel.
This Advisory may be upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning if the freezing rain is
becoming or expected to become heavier.
6) Blizzard Warning...
Issued when:
- Sustained wind speeds of 35 mph or more, or frequents wind gusts of 35 mph or more
- Considerable falling and/or blowing snow is occurring, reducing visibility to
less then 1/4 of a mile.
7) Dangerous Wind Chill Warning...
Issued when the Wind chill of -20 degrees or colder are expected or occurring and:
8) Avalanche Warning...
Avalanche Warnings are issued by the NOAA's Northwest Avalanche Forecast Center,
located in Seattle. These products are issued when there is a significant threat
of avalanches in the Cascades and Olympics backcountry, possibly affecting
mountain roadways and other high country interests.
[for more info, see NOAA's NW Avalanche Center ]
Additional Links of Interest...
- NOAA's Weather Safety website
- Preparedness for Severe Weather
- Each local office may have historic storm data and photographs online (see office links below)
Remember, in times of hazardous winter weather, you can get all these vital NOAA/National Weather
Service messages via NOAA Weather Radio, your favorite local media, or through NOAA's National
Weather Service websites.
For questions about local Winter Weather Preparedness, contact your local NOAA National Weather Service Office:
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www.nws.noaa.gov 
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