Some Winter Weather Terminology

Winter Weather Warning

A hazardous winter storm posing a threat to life and property is imminent, occurring, or likely to occur.

Winter Weather Watch

Provides 12 to 36 hours notice for the possibility of severe winter weather occurance. A major winter weather event such as heavy sleet, snow or freezing rain is likely to occur but not impending for the specific watch area.

Winter Weather Advisory

Issued when a significant winter weather happening is impending, occurring or is an inconvenience.

Blizzard Warning

Issued when winds are at least 35 mph or greater and blowing snow is reducing visibility to that will frequently to 1/4 mile or less for at least three hours. Also when hazardous wind chills are predicted for the area involved.

Wind Chill Index

From Weather.com, “The calculation of temperature that takes into consideration the effects of wind and temperature on the human body. This is not the actual air temperature, but what it feels like to the average person. This wind chill chart shows the difference between actual air temperature and perceived temperature, and the amount of time until frostbite occurs.”

Index of the wind chill