Weathering the Winter Season - know the terms

Weathering the Winter Season
It’s important to understand the differences behind National Weather Service’s advisories, watches and warnings.

An advisory is a “heads-up” that conditions are likely for dangerous weather. Advisories are issued when weather conditions will cause a significant inconvenience and, if ignored, could lead to hazardous consequences.

A watch is stronger than an advisory. It tells you that hazardous weather is likely in the next 12-48 hours. Watches are issued to give you time to prepare and plan for weather threats. When a watch is issued, it’s prudent to listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards and check the forecast frequently atNOAA’s National Weather Service Web site (http://www.weather.gov/).

A warning means a threat is occurring or is imminent, and you need to take protective action.
Pay close attention to weather forecasts and listen for advisories, watches and warnings like these:
• Winter Weather Advisory – Expect two or more of the following weather conditions: snow,
freezing rain or drizzle, sleet or blowing snow. Be prepared for hazardous driving conditions.
• Winter Storm Watch – In the next 12-48 hours, severe winter weather conditions are favorable for heavy snow, blizzard conditions, freezing rain or sleet.
• Winter Storm Warning – This means that severe weather is imminent or has already begun.
Expect any combination of heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet and strong winds.
• Blizzard Warning – Blizzards are the most dangerous winter storms. A blizzard is heavy snow and strong winds (35 mph or greater) that combine to produce blinding snow with near zero visibility, deep drifts, and a life-threatening wind chill. (http://www.noaa.gov/features/03_protecting/index.html)

West Coast Flood Risks Heightened this winter

Winter and early spring often bring intense storms over the Pacific Ocean potentially causing heavy rains on the West Coast. The rainy season accounts not only for the majority of the yearly rainfall, but also for conditions like cresting rivers, backed-up storm drains and saturated ground that can lead to devastating floods.

www.floodsmart.gov