Public Information Statement
Issued by NWS Binghamton, NY
Issued by NWS Binghamton, NY
483 NOUS41 KBGM 081302 PNSBGM PAZ038>040-043-044-047-048-072-090400- Public Information Statement National Weather Service Binghamton NY 800 AM EST Fri Nov 8 2024 ...This week is Winter Weather Awareness Week for Pennsylvania... The last topic of this week is National Weather Service Winter Products. This message 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. Watches are issued when a storm is in it`s early stage of development, and may create conditions that may harm life and property. Hazardous winter weather is only a possibility, not a certainty. The following are the watch headlines issued for winter weather events: A 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. An extreme cold watch is issued when dangerously cold temperatures or wind chill 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: A 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. A lake effect snow warning is issued when heavy lake effect snow is imminent or occurring. Lake effect snow warnings are typically issued 12 to 36 hours before the event is expected to start. An ice storm warning is issued when damaging ice accumulations are expected within the next 12 to 36 hours. A 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. A 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. An extreme cold warning is issued for dangerously cold temperatures or wind chill. These conditions 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: A 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. A cold weather advisory: is issued when the temperature or wind chill create inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure. If caution is not exercised, hypothermia and frostbite may occur. Additional information will be disseminated by social media platforms: Facebook at, https://www.facebook.com/nwsbinghamton and Twitter at, https://www.twitter.com/nwsbinghamton Please join us by using the following hashtags: #Winterprep, #Winter, and #AreYouReady. For additional information on Pennsylvania Winter Weather Awareness Week: https://weather.gov/bgm/wwawpa You can also contact Mark Pellerito at, Mark.Pellerito@noaa.gov, for additional information about Pennsylvania Winter Weather Awareness Week. $$ Mitchell Gaines Lead Meteorologist National Weather Service Binghamton, NY