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WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES, WATCHES, AND WARNINGS

Today on NWR "Weather Talk," we will discuss the differences between Winter Weather
Advisories, Watches and Warnings.

Winter Weather and Snow Advisories are issued when a combination of snow and ice, or snow
of at least 4 but less than 6 inches accumulation in 24 hours are expected to make walking and
driving hazardous.  A winter weather advisory means a combination of snow and/or ice will
make driving and walking hazardous within the next 12 hours.  Generally, if caution is exercised
these situations should not become life threatening.

A Winter Storm Watch is issued when the potential exists for one of more of the following
elements to occur:

six inches or more of snow
blizzard conditions
a dangerous ice storm with enough ice accumulation to down trees and power lines
a dangerous combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

These watches are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the start of the weather events.  Watches
are intended to give residents and emergency management officials sufficient time to prepare for
the hazardous winter conditions.

A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a dangerous combination of significant freezing rain,
sleet, and snow are forecast to occur.

A Heavy Snow Warning is issued when 7 inches or more of snow is expected to fall in New
York, or when 6 inches or more of snow is expected to fall in Pennsylvania.

An Ice Storm Warning is issued when a significant amount of ice from freezing rain is
anticipated to accumulate on power lines and branches and probably cause them to fall.

A Blizzard Warning is issued when winds are expected to be greater than 35 mph, combined
with heavy falling or blowing snow greatly reducing the visibility.  Blizzards are the most
dangerous winter storms and are especially severe when combined with very cold temperatures. 
A blizzard warning means that travel conditions are life threatening and that you must not travel.

If you have a weather related question that you would like to have answered on NWR "Weather
Talk," please write to: NWS, 32 Dawes Drive, Johnson City, NY, 13790 - Attn: Weather Talk.

SCK Oct98