Throughout the winter, the National Weather Service will use specific terminology to help relay the threat of winter weather to the public. It is important that everyone understands the terminology, so they know what actions need to be taken at that time! The following is a summary of the terms with which you and your family should become familiar.

Note: The winter weather definitions and warning/watch criteria vary somewhat from office to office due to regional climatic variations.

Blizzard Warning: A blizzard warning is issued when snow and strong winds combine to produce blinding snow (near zero visibilities), deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chills. Seek refuge immediately!

Winter Storm Outlook: Hazardous winter weather may develop several days away (3-5 days). An outlook is provided for those who need extra time in preparing for winter storms, but there is still uncertainty of exact timing and locations.

Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and ice, are possible within the next day or two. This is the time to prepare! Like an outlook, a watch does not mean that severe conditions are a certainty but the likelihood of dangerous winter weather has increased significantly.

Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions are very likely to begin in your area. Stay indoors! Winter storm warnings are issued for severe events that are considered life threatening. A winter storm warning may be issued for heavy snow, significant accumulations of freezing rain or sleet, wind chill, or a combination of any of these factors.

Winter Weather Advisory: An advisory is issued for events that are expected to cause major inconveniences and may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, these situations should not become life threatening. The greatest hazard is often to motorists.

Snow Advisory: 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected.

Ice Storm Warning: Heavy ice accumulations will cause extremely dangerous and damaging situations, such as icy roads and downed power lines.

Freezing Rain/Drizzle Advisory: Precipitation is light and ice does not form on all exposed surfaces.

Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chills range from 70 below in an especially cold winter to 50 below zero in a "normal" winter. A minimum 10 mph wind speed should be occurring or forecast.

Wind Chill Advisory: Issued when wind chills are expected to be 35 below zero or lower. However, an advisory may be issued for wind chills from 20 below to 35 below zero early or late in the winter season.

High Wind Warning: Issued when sustained winds of 40 mph or greater are expected to last one hour or longer, or wind gusts of 50 mph or greater.

Wind Advisory: Issued when sustained winds of 30 mph or greater are expected to last one hour or longer, or wind gusts of 40 mph or greater.

Heavy Snow: Snowfall accumulating to 4 inches or more in 12 hours or less, or 6 inches or more in 24 hours.

Blizzard: The following conditions are expected to prevail for a period of 3 hours or longer.

1. Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater; and,
2. Considerable falling and/or blowing snow (i.e., frequently reducing visibilities to less than 1/4 mile).