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CLICK HERE to see WHEN, in relation to a severe weather event, these products are issued.
A Watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrological event has
increased significantly, but its occurrence, location and/or timing is still uncertain. It is
intended to provide enough lead time so that those who need to set their plans in motion
can do so.
A Warning is used for conditions posing imminent threat to life or property.
Advisories are used for less serious conditions that cause significant inconvenience and,
if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
...Click on product name to see an example.
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Tornado Warning
- A warning issued by National Weather Service offices to warn the
public of an existing, imminent or suspected tornado. A tornado is
a violently rotating column of air, usually pendant to a
thunderstorm, with circulation reaching the ground.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- A warning issued by National Weather Service offices to warn the
public of an existing, imminent or suspected severe thunderstorm.
A severe thunderstorm is a thunderstorm that produces a tornado,
winds of at least 50 knots (58 mph) and/or hail at least 0.75 inch
in diameter. Note: Structural wind damage may imply the
occurrence of a severe thunderstorm.
Flash Flood Warning
- A warning issued by National Weather Service offices to warn the
public that flash flooding is imminent or in progress. A flash flood
is a flood which is caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short
period of time, generally less than 6 hours. Also, a dam failure can
cause a flash flood.
River Flood Warning
- A warning issued by National Weather Services offices to warn
the public that flooding is imminent or in progress. A river flood is
the inundation of a normally dry area caused by an increased
water level in the established watercourse of a river.
Severe Weather Statement
- A brief, concise statement to provide specific information on
observed severe weather.
Significant Weather Alert
- Issued for dangerous storms not meeting official
"severe" criteria. It is
typically issued for an hour or less and for only a few counties.
Special Weather Statement
- A brief, concise statement to provide specific information on
longer-term weather conditions or to clear counties from tornado
and severe thunderstorm watches.
Flash Flood Statement
- A statement issued to provide specific follow-up information
regarding a flash flood event.
Flash Flood Watch
- A statement issued to inform the public and cooperating agencies
that current and developing weather conditions are such that there
is a threat of flash flooding, but the occurrence is neither certain
nor imminent.
High Wind Watch/ Warning/ Advisory
- Statements to indicate the potential for strong/damaging or
significant wind events not associated with severe local storms. Periodically, after this product is issued,
(usually every 6 hours or so) the situation will be updated with the release of a Special Weather Statement.
Excessive Heat Advisory
- A statement to alert the public and appropriate authorities that
excessive heat and humidity conditions will occur for a period
of 48 hours or longer. Periodically, after this product is issued,
(usually every 6 hours or so) the situation will be updated with the release of a Special Weather Statement.
Wind Chill Advisory
- A statement to alert the public and appropriate authorities that
wind chill temperatures will be below zero. Periodically, after this product is issued,
(usually every 6 hours or so) the situation will be updated with the release of a Special Weather Statement.
Freeze Warning
- A warning issued by National Weather Service offices to warn the
public when the surface air temperature is expected to be 32
degrees or below over a widespread area for a significant period
of time. Periodically, after this product is issued,
(usually every 6 hours or so) the situation will be updated with the release of a Special Weather Statement.
Dense Fog Advisory
- A statement to alert the public and appropriate authorities that
widespread fog with visibilities of 1/4 mile or less exist. Periodically, after this product is issued,
(usually every 6 hours or so) the situation will be updated with the release of a Special Weather Statement.
Winter Storm Watch/ Warning/ Advisory
- Statement to indicate the potential for significant winter weather.
Depending on the type of winter weather anticipated, this issuance may be called any of the following:
- "Winter Storm Watch" or "Winter Storm Warning" or "Winter Weather Advisory" for when a variety of types of
precipitation is expected.
- "Winter Storm Watch" or "Heavy Snow Warning" or "Snow Advisory" for snow events.
- "Blizzard Warning" for when high winds, low visibility and heavy snow combine to create blizzard conditions.
- "Winter Storm Watch" or "Ice Storm Warning" or "Freezing Rain Advisory" for freezing rain.
- "Winter Storm Watch" or "Winter Storm Warning" or "Sleet Advisory" for sleet.
Periodically, after this product is issued,
(usually every 6 hours or so) the situation will be updated with the release of a Special Weather Statement.
County Flood Warning
- A statement issued to address non-life-threatening flooding of
small streams, streets and low-lying areas, such as railroad
underpasses and urban storm drains.
Short Term Forecast/ Local Update
- A forecast used to convey information regarding weather events
in the next few hours. When issued frequently during active
weather, they provide timely and sometimes vital information
about a potential or existing hazardous weather situation.
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