Winter WeatherWinter Weather

Jim StefkovichNational Weather Service Office

Calera, Alabama

Jim.stefkovich@noaa.gov

NOAA

• Winter Storm Outlook: Alerts the public to the chance for winter storm conditions 3 to 7 days in advance.

• Winter Storm Watch: 50% confidence of meeting warning criteria within the next 12 to 48 hours.

• Winter Storm Warning: Issued for significant accumulations of snow, freezing rain, or sleet, usually issued 12 to 36 hours before the event begins.

• Winter Weather Advisory: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain/drizzle, or sleet below warning criteria but are expected to cause hazardous driving conditions.

Winter Weather Definitions

Huntsville Birmingham Mobile TallahasseeAdvisoryWarning

1-2” ¼ to 2” Up to 2” Up to 1”

Snow

> 2” > 2” ≥ 2” ≥ 1”

Huntsville Birmingham Mobile TallahasseeAdvisoryWarning

< 1/4” < 1/4” < 1/4” < 1/4”

Freezing Rain

≥ 1/4” ≥ 1/4” ≥ 1/4” ≥ 1/4”

Criteria

Is it about the “Warning” or Impacts?

National Weather Service Birminghamwww.srh.noaa.gov/bmx