Winter storm warning
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into Winter weather watches, warnings, and advisories. (Discuss) Proposed since November 2016. |
A winter storm warning (SAME code: WSW) is a statement made by the National Weather Service of the United States which means a winter storm is occurring or is about to occur in the area, usually within 36 hours. Generally, a Winter Storm Warning is issued if the following criteria, at least, are forecast: usually between 4 inches (10 cm) to 7 inches (18 cm) or more of snow or usually 3 inches (7.6 cm) or more of snow with a large accumulation of ice. In the Southern United States, where severe winter weather is much less common and any snow is a more significant event, warning criteria are lower, as low as 1 inch (2.5 cm) in the southernmost areas. (Thus, as you go from south to north the necessary accumulations get higher.) A warning can also be issued during high impact events of lesser amounts, usually early or very late in the season when trees have leaves and damage can result. Winter Storm Warnings are issued when winds are less than 35mph; if the storm has winds above this wind speed, it becomes a blizzard warning.
Usually, a large accumulation of ice alone with little to no snow will result in an ice storm warning, or in the case of light freezing rain, a winter weather advisory, a freezing rain advisory, or drizzle advisory.
A similar warning is issued by Environment Canada's Meteorological Service of Canada from their offices.
Prior to the 2008–09 winter storm season, there was the heavy snow warning, specific for when only a heavy amount of snow was expected in the warned area. The Winter Storm Warning for Heavy Snow has since replaced it.
Types
Prior to the 2008-2009 winter weather season, there were several different bulletins which have since been consolidated into the Winter Storm Warning which now states which hazards it is being issued for.
- Winter storm warning for heavy snow
- Replaced the heavy snow warning
- Winter storm warning for heavy wet snow
- Same as above, except when the snow will also be wet
- Winter storm warning for heavy snow and blowing snow
- When the criteria for both a WSW for heavy snow and a winter weather advisory for snow and blowing snow are met [near-blizzard conditions][1]
- Winter storm warning for heavy sleet
- Replaced the sleet warning[2]
- Winter storm warning for heavy snow and ice
- When both the criteria for a WSW for heavy snow and an ice storm warning are met[3]
- Winter storm warning for snow and ice
- When both the criteria for a winter weather advisory for snow and an ice storm warning are met
- Winter storm warning for sleet and freezing rain
- When both the criteria for a winter weather advisory for sleet and an ice storm warning are met
- Winter storm warning for heavy lake-effect snow
- Replaced the lake effect snow warning in some NWS county warning areas. (2017-2018 season)
Additionally, all of the above may also include "Strong Winds" in their title if strong winds are expected as well (e.g. winter storm warning for heavy wet snow and strong winds).
Also, the generic term, winter storm warning may be used on its own, typically to indicate that all three winter precipitation types are expected in high amounts; however, it may be used on its own as just a generic term at the forecaster's discretion regardless of whether or not this condition is met.
Example of a winter storm warning
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI 956 PM EDT Fri Apr 13 2018 MIZ037>040-043>046-050>052-141000- /O.NEW.KGRR.WS.W.0003.180414T0900Z-180415T1600Z/ Mason-Lake-Osceola-Clare-Oceana-Newaygo-Mecosta-Isabella-Muskegon- Montcalm-Gratiot- Including the cities of Ludington, Baldwin, Reed City, Clare, Hart, Fremont, Big Rapids, Mount Pleasant, Muskegon, Greenville, and Alma 956 PM EDT Fri Apr 13 2018 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM SATURDAY TO NOON EDT SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of 2 to 4 inches and ice accumulations of one half to three quarters of an inch are expected. * WHERE...Portions of central and west central Michigan. * WHEN...From 5 AM Saturday to noon EDT Sunday. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Expect tree damage with falling limbs and power outages due to the ice. Travel will be difficult and in some cases not possible. Expect significant reductions in visibility at times. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice will make travel very hazardous or impossible. Strong winds are also expected. && $$
See also
Severe weather terminology (United States)
References
- ^ "Winter Storm Warning In Effect". WDOR. 2014-01-14. Retrieved 2014-04-13.
- ^ "Glossary - NOAA's National Weather Service". Weather.gov. 2009-06-25. Retrieved 2014-04-13.
- ^ Daryl Herzmann Akrherz. "IEM :: Valid Time Extent Code (VTEC) App". Mesonet.agron.iastate.edu. Retrieved 2014-04-13.
- ^ Source - U.S. NOAA National Weather Service