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There are eight different weather alerts that the National Weather Service in New York, NY issue for our area that relate to wintry weather. In today's Winter Weather Week article, we'll explain what those weather alerts are, what they mean, and how they are issued.
Winter Weather Advisory: Issued for a winter weather event in which there is more than one of the following: snow, sleet, and ice (freezing rain), and one of the advisory criteria is met but does not exceed warning criteria. In addition, a winter weather advisory will be issued for an all-snow event if the advisory criteria is met but does not exceed the warning criteria. The advisory criteria is 3 inches of snow and/or sleet expected in a 12 hour period, or a trace of ice accumulation. An advisory may still be warranted if lesser accumulations will significantly impact mass transit and/or utilities.
Blizzard Warning: Issued for sustained winds or frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow, frequently reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile for three hours or more.
Winter Storm Watch: Issued for a winter weather event in which there is more than one of the following: snow, sleet, and ice (freezing rain), and one of the warning criteria is met. The watch criteria for snow is 6 inches expected in a 12 hour period, or 8 inches possible in a 36 hour period. The watch criteria for ice is accumulations meeting or exceeding 1/2 inch. A winter storm watch may also be issued for heavy snow combined with strong winds of 25-34 mph that will cause blowing and drifting of the snow. A watch may still be warranted if the event is expected to exceed advisory criteria, but fall just short of watch criteria and will significantly impact mass transit and/or utilities.
Winter Storm Warning: Issued for a winter weather event in which there is more than one of the following: snow, sleet, and ice (freezing rain), and one of the warning criteria is met. The warning criteria for snow is 6 inches expected in a 12 hour period, or 8 inches expected in a 24 hour period. The warning criteria for ice is accumulations meeting or exceeding 1/2 inch. A winter storm warning may also be issued for heavy snow combined with strong winds of 25-34 mph that will cause blowing and drifting of the snow. A warning may still be warranted if the event is expected to exceed advisory criteria, but fall just short of warning criteria and will significantly impact mass transit and/or utilities.
Freezing Rain Advisory: Issued when a trace of ice accumulation is expected from freezing rain and/or drizzle, but not to exceed 1/2 inch.
Ice Storm Warning: Issued when freezing rain is expected to produce ice accumulations of 1/2 inch or greater, or cause significant disruptions to travel or utilities.
Wind Chill Advisory: Issued when wind chill values will reach -15°F to -24°F.
Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill values will reach -25°F or colder.