Preston, Minnesota

... Winter weather awareness week in Minnesota and Wisconsin...

This is winter weather awareness week.

It is important that you learn and understand the definitions of
different winter related headlines. Here are the main products used
by the NWS to keep people informed.

Hazardous weather outlook

The hazardous weather outlook /hwo/ includes any potential weather
hazard out to seven days. It is used for planning purposes and will
include a short description of what the weather threat is... when it
is expected... and how much it may impact the region. The hwo is
issued daily around 5 am and updated during the day as needed.
It is also broadcast over NOAA Weather Radio.

Winter Storm Watch

A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is a potential for a
winter storm to affect the region during the next 1 to 3 days. It
does not always mean the area will be hit by a winter storm... but
there is still some uncertainity of the exact path or timing of the
event. This is a planning stage. Use this time to ensure you have
supplies at home like extra food... medications... or baby items.
If travel is planned... check ahead and see if a different Route or
delaying your departure may make your trip safer. Be alert for
changing weather conditions.

Winter Weather Advisory

Advisories are issued for those winter weather events that are
expected to be more of an inconvenience and should not become
life-threatening if caution is exercised. These are often issued for
3 to 6 inches of snow... blowing and drifting snow... freezing
drizzle... or a combination of these elements. It may be issued for
less snow for early season events... when drivers may not be
accustomed to slick roads.

Winter Storm Warning

Winter storm warnings are usually issued when dangerous winter
weather is expected... occurring... or imminent. The weather can
become life-threatening. Criteria includes snowfalls of 6 inches or
more in 12 hours... 8 inches in 24 hours... or lower amounts if
accompanied by strong winds or a combination of dangerous winter
elements. Avoid unnecessary travel.

Blizzard warnings

The most dangerous winter event is certainly the blizzard. Blizzard
warnings are issued when snow or blowing snow lowers visibilities to
a 1/4 mile or less... wind gusts hit 35 mph or higher... and the storm
lasts for 3 hours or more. Travel is dangerous and should be avoided
if possible.

Ice Storm Warning

Ice storm warnings are issued when freezing rain will cause
widespread glazing. A coating of ice is expected to reach 1/4 inch
thick or more on objects and make travel nearly impossible. For
lesser amounts of ice... usually a Winter Weather Advisory would be
used... but even a thin glaze of ice can make travel difficult. Avoid
travel.

Wind chill warning

Issued when wind chills of -35 f or lower are expected with wind
speeds of 10 mph or more. A Wind Chill Advisory is issued for values
between -20 and -34 f. Dress warmly and cover as much exposed skin
as possible.