Community Corner
Know Your Winter Weather Warning Terminology
Terminology can be confusing, which is why we've come up with this handy guide (with the help of the National Weather Service).
A winter storm warning has been issued for our area, but what exactly does that mean? Should we stay at home and enjoy a "snow day," or don battle gear and try to head to work? Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch, with the help of the National Weather Service, decodes some of the weather terminology you're hearing in the news. You can also find this information on the National Weather Service's website.
1. Winter Storm Outlook
This is a statement issued when there is a chance of a major winter storm 3 to 5 days in the future. This is meant to assist people with their long range plans. However, since the outlook is issued so far in advance, the accuracy of the prediction may be limited.
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2. Winter Storm Watch
A watch is issued when conditions are favorable for hazardous winter weather conditions to develop over part or all of the forecast area in the next six to 36 hours, but the occurrence is still uncertain. Watches will be reissued whenever there is a change in the timing, areal extent or expected conditions. Winter storm watches either evolve into winter storm warnings or advisories, or they are canceled.
3. Winter Weather Advisory
This is issued for a combination of snow, sleet and/or freezing rain. Advisories, in general, are issued for weather conditions that are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, These situations are normally not life-threatening if caution is exercised.
4. Winter Storm Warning
A warning is issued when more than one type of hazardous winter weather--including snow, sleet and freezing rain--is occurring, imminent, or highly likely over part or all of the forecast area. Winter storm warnings are normally issued for the first period of the forecast but can be extended into the second period. They are reissued whenever there is a change to the timing, areal extent or expected conditions.
A watch is issued when conditions are favorable for hazardous winter weather conditions to develop over part or all of the forecast area in the next six to 36 hours, but the occurrence is still uncertain. Watches will be reissued whenever there is a change in the timing, areal extent or expected conditions. Winter storm watches either evolve into winter storm warnings or advisories, or they are canceled.
3. Winter Weather Advisory
This is issued for a combination of snow, sleet and/or freezing rain. Advisories, in general, are issued for weather conditions that are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, These situations are normally not life-threatening if caution is exercised.
4. Winter Storm Warning
A warning is issued when more than one type of hazardous winter weather--including snow, sleet and freezing rain--is occurring, imminent, or highly likely over part or all of the forecast area. Winter storm warnings are normally issued for the first period of the forecast but can be extended into the second period. They are reissued whenever there is a change to the timing, areal extent or expected conditions.
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