"Preparing for the worst, Providing the best"
Severe Weather Definitions
Hazardous Weather Outlook
The Hazardous Weather Outlook will describe potential hazardous weather and hydrologic information of concern in Days 1 through 7.
The outlook contains two segments: One segment for the marine zones and adjacent land-based (i.e., coastal) zones and the other segment for the rest of the land-based zones. Each segment of the HWO will contain 3 sections: short term through Day 1, long term for Days 2-7, and spotter information.
Winter Storm Watch
A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It does not mean that significant and hazardous winter weather will occur...it only means it is possible.
Significant and hazardous winter weather is defined as a combination of:
1) 5 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or 7 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period
AND/OR
2) Enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or powerlines.
AND/OR
3) a life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind.
The snow/sleet criteria for a Winter Storm Watch for the five westernmost counties (Allegany, Mineral, Grant, Pendleton, and Highland) is higher (6 inches or more within a 12-hour period; 8 inches or more within a 24-hour period).
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.
Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
1) Winds of 58 mph or higher
AND/OR
2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area.
Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
1) Winds of 58 mph or higher
AND/OR
2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Tornado Watch
A Tornado Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.
Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
1) Winds of 58 mph or higher
AND/OR
2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Tornado Warning
A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.
Flash Flood Watch
A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flash Flood Warning
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood Watch
A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flood Warning
A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.