WINTER WEATHER - WORDS TO KNOW

Are you familiar with the words that describe winter storm conditions ? How do you receive current and accurate winter weather information ? The information below will help you weather the storm !

Winter Weather - In the News

“Winter Storm Watch” - The National Weather Service issues a “winter storm watch” to alert the public that conditions exist that may produce a winter storm. A watch may be issued at any time in advance of a storm – up to 36 hours in advance.

“Winter Storm Warning” - The National Weather Services issues a “winter storm warning” to alert the public that a winter storm is imminent. A warning is usually issued between 6 to 8 hours in advance of the expected storm.

“Blizzard” - A “blizzard” is a severe snow event characterized by 1/4 mile or less visibility for 3 hours or more, falling or blowing snow, and winds over 35 mph.

“Winter Weather Advisory” - The National Weather Service isssues a “winter weather advisory” to alert the public of winter conditions that are less severe than storm conditions, but still important for the public to know. Advisories may be issued for conditions such snowfall, wind chill, sleet or other wintry condition.

For more definitions and information, check out your local National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office (websites below) and the Weather Channel’s Encyclopedia at www.weather.com.

Up to the Minute Info – NOAA Weather Radios

You can be alerted to winter watches and warnings (and year-round weather warnings) by listening to a NOAA Weather Radio receiver. This is a quick, reliable way to receive current weather warnings as they happen, direct from the National Weather Service.

NOAA Weather Radio receivers can be purchased at electronics retailers. Models come with a variety of functions and costs. All radios sound an alarm or turn on the radio when severe weather announcements or emergency information is broadcast. More sophisticated radios featuring Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) allow you to program the unit for the county of your choice. This feature permits you to receive only the severe weather announcements that you are interested in. Radios are also available for the deaf and hard of hearing, which activate on special alarms devices.

For more information on Weather Radios, such as features and listings of manufactures and retailers, please visit www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/

To learn more ...
Be sure to find out more from the links listed above and the National Weather Service’s Weather Forecast Offices’ (WFO) homepages:

Mt. Holly, NJ WFO: www.nws.noaa.gov/er/phi
Upton, NY WFO: www.nws.noaa.gov/er/okx