Oct. 29 through Nov. 4 has been declared Winter Weather Awareness Week in New York by the National Weather Service. NOAA out of Binghamton is sharing the following tips to help educate the public.

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Your National Weather Service in Binghamton, NY is urging you to prepare for the harsh, and sometimes dangerous weather that winter often brings.

This will provide you with some terms the National Weather Service uses to describe winter weather as well as the definitions of watches, warnings, and advisories issued for winter weather events.

Winter Storm Watch is issued when heavy snow, damaging ice accumulations, heavy lake effect snow, or blizzard conditions are possible. Winter storm watches are typically issued 36 to 72 hours before a winter storm starts.

Wind Chill Watch is issued when dangerously cold wind chills are possible typically in the next 36 to 72 hours.

Warnings are issued when the threat to life and property is imminent or has already begun from severe winter weather.

The following are the warning headlines issued for winter weather events:

  • Winter Storm Warning is issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet or any combination there of, is imminent or occurring. Winter storm warnings are typically issued 12 to 36 hours before the event is expected to start.
  • Ice Storm Warning is issued when damaging ice accumulations are expected within the next 12 to 36 hours.
  • Blizzard Warning is issued when sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more prevail, combined with falling or blowing snow, reduce visibilities of one quarter of a mile or less, and last for at least 3 hours.
  • Lake Effect Snow Warning is issued when heavy lake effect snow is imminent or occurring.
  • Snow Squall Warning is issued when a band of very heavy snow is expected to produce snowfall above 2 inches per hour, visibilities less than 1/4 mile for between 15 and 30 minutes. The snow squall could be accompanied by gusty winds, blowing snow and a flash freeze on roads. Snow squall warnings are new for this winter season and will be issued by NWS office’s in Binghamton, Buffalo and Burlington, VT beginning January 3rd, 2018. The rest of the NWS office’s serving NY state will begin issuing snow squall warnings during the Winter of 2018-19.
  • Wind Chill Warning is issued when the combination of extreme cold and winds occur. This combination will result in frostbite, hypothermia, or even death when exposed in this type of condition for an extended period of time.
  • Advisories are issued for less serious weather conditions that will not cause immediate threat to life and property. Advisories will be issued when weather conditions will impact motorists, outdoor activities, or public events. These events could become life-threatening if proper precautions are not taken.

The following are the advisory headlines issued for winter weather events:

  • Winter Weather Advisory is issued for accumulations of snow, lake effect snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, or sleet, that will create inconveniences. During an advisory, if caution is not exercised, life and property may be threatened.
  • Wind Chill Advisory is issued when wind chill temperatures create inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure. If caution is not exercised, hypothermia and frostbite may occur.

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You can also contact:

Dave Nicosia (david.nicosia@noaa.gov) for additional information about NOAA’s 2017 National Weather Service Winter Weather Awareness Week.

By martha

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