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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