Severe weather terminology (United States)

This article describes severe weather terminology used by the National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States. The NWS, a government agency operating as an arm of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) branch of the United States Department of Commerce (DoC), defines precise meanings for nearly all of its weather terms. This article describes NWS terminology and related weather scales used by the agency. Some terms may be specific to certain cities or regions.

Definitions of severe weather alerts

The NWS divides severe weather alerts into a few types of hazardous weather/hydrologic events:

  1. Severe local storms – Short-fused, small-scale hazardous weather or hydrologic events produced by thunderstorms, including large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, and flash floods.
  2. Winter storms – Weather hazards associated with freezing or frozen precipitation (freezing rain, sleet, snow) or combined effects of winter precipitation and strong winds.
  3. Fire weather – Weather conditions leading to an increased risk of wildfires.
  4. Flooding – Hazardous hydrological events resulting in temporary inundation of land areas not normally covered by water, often caused by excessive rainfall.
  5. Coastal/lakeshore hazards – Hydrological hazards that may affect property, marine or leisure activities in areas near ocean and lake waters including high surf and coastal or lakeshore flooding, as well as rip currents.
  6. Marine hazards – Hazardous events that may affect marine travel, fishing and shipping interests along large bodies of water, including hazardous seas and freezing spray.
  7. Other hazards – Weather hazards not directly associated with any of the above including extreme heat or cold, dense fog, high winds, and river or lakeshore flooding.

Severe local storms

An example of weather alerts on a national map from the National Weather Service.
  • Tornado Watch (yellow box in some select NWS documentation, red box in most other media) – Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in and close to the watch area. These watches are issued for large areas by the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, and are usually valid for five to eight hours.[1]
    Particularly Dangerous Situation Tornado Watch – Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing destructive tornadoes in and close to the watch area. These watches are occasionally issued, and usually mean that a major tornado outbreak is possible, where the potential for multiple violent (EF-4 and EF-5) tornadoes exists. These watches are usually valid for a longer period of time and issued for a larger area by the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma than a typical Tornado Watch. This type of watch is usually only reserved for forecast "high-end" severe weather events.[2]
  • Tornado Warning – Strong rotation in a thunderstorm is indicated by Doppler weather radar or a tornado is sighted by Skywarn spotters or other persons, such as local law enforcement. These warnings are currently issued on a polygonal basis.[3]
    Particularly Dangerous Situation Tornado Warning – A large tornado has been confirmed to be producing damage and is moving into and through the warned area. It is usually issued as the initial tornado warning or as a complete re-issuance of the previous tornado warning. These may also include wording for a Tornado Emergency. This type of warning was initially issued only by National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices in Wichita and Topeka, Kansas, and Springfield, St. Louis and Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, Missouri; it was expanded to include 33 additional National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices within the Central Region Headquarters in 2013, and then to eight additional offices within the Eastern, Southern and Western Regions in the spring of 2014.[4]
    Tornado Emergency – Sent as a "severe weather statement" or a complete re-issuance of the tornado warning, this is an unofficial, high-end tornado warning issued when a violent tornado is expected to impact a heavily populated area. Such warnings have been issued for the F5-rated 1999 Bridge Creek–Moore tornado; the EF5 tornado that destroyed much of Greensburg, Kansas on May 4, 2007; the EF4 tornado that hit Tuscaloosa, Alabama on April 27, 2011; the EF5 tornado that affected southern portions of the Oklahoma City area but mostly affected Moore on May 20, 2013; and the May 31, 2013 tornado system that went over the Oklahoma City area through an extremely densely populated area. This enhanced form of a tornado warning is issued mainly by Weather Forecast Offices within the National Weather Service's Central and Southern Region Headquarters; a tornado emergency is the highest level of a three-tiered Impact Based Warning system for tornadoes used by all WFOs within the Central Region Headquarters, and eight others within the Eastern, Southern and Western Regions.[4]
  • Severe Thunderstorm Watch (pink box or blue box in NWS documents, typically yellow box in other media) – Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A severe thunderstorm contains large damaging hail of 1 inch (25 mm) diameter or larger, and/or damaging winds greater than 58 mph (95 km/h or 50 knots) or greater. Isolated tornadoes are also possible but not expected to be the dominant severe weather event. These watches are issued for large areas by the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, and are usually valid for five to eight hours.[5]
    Particularly Dangerous Situation Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Isolated tornadoes are possible but not expected to be the dominant severe weather event, hence these watches are very rarely issued. An expected severe wind event (derecho) is the mostly likely reason for a PDS Severe Thunderstorm Watch to be issued, with widespread winds greater than 90 mph (150 km/h or 80 knots) possible. These watches are usually valid for a longer period of time and are issued for a larger area by the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma than a typical Severe Thunderstorm Watch. This type of watch is usually only reserved for forecast "high-end" severe weather events.[2] If, however, tornadoes are expected to be a major weather threat in addition to the preceding criteria, then a standard tornado watch (generally not a PDS watch) would be issued instead.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Warning – A severe thunderstorm is indicated by Doppler weather radar or sighted by Skywarn spotters or other persons, such as local law enforcement. A severe thunderstorm contains large damaging hail of 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter or larger, and/or damaging winds of 58 mph (93 km/h) or greater. These warnings are currently issued on a polygonal basis.[6]
  • Significant Weather Advisory – A strong thunderstorm is indicated by Doppler weather radar, containing small hail below 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter, and/or strong winds of 39–57 miles per hour (63–92 km/h). These advisories are usually issued on a county by county basis, and are issued as special weather statements written in the style of severe thunderstorm and other short-fused warnings, rather than being an official product itself. Some areas use an entirely different format (most notably WFOs in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic), noting where in each county the thunderstorm will affect.
  • Flash Flood Watch (green box) – Conditions are favorable for flash flooding in and close to the watch area. These watches are issued by the Weather Forecast Office and are usually issued six to 24 hours in advance of expected flood potential. In Canada, a Heavy Rainfall Warning has a similar meaning.
    Particularly Dangerous Situation Flash Flood Watch – Conditions are favorable for an extremely elevated level of severe and life-threatening flash flooding beyond the level of a normal flash flood watch in and close to the watch area. These watches are usually issued for a smaller area by the local WFOs than typical Flash Flood Watches, which often span multiple county warning areas, and are usually valid for a longer period of time. This type of watch is usually only reserved for forecast "high-end" flash flood events.
  • Flash Flood Warning – Flash flooding is occurring, imminent, or highly likely. A flash flood is a flood that occurs within six hours of excessive rainfall and that poses a threat to life and/or property. Ice jams and dam failures can also cause flash floods. These warnings are issued on a county by county basis by the local Weather Forecast Office and are generally in effect for two to six hours, although particularly during tropical cyclones a warning may last for a longer period of time, and occasionally last shorter than two hours.[7]
    Flash Flood Emergency - A flash flood emergency is a high-end usage of the flash flood warning product. The flash flood emergency term is used when widespread flooding is occurring, and either, multiple water rescues have been reported in the past few hours, or if highly populated regions are undergoing significant flash flooding likely to cause loss of life and property. This terminology is more widely used during hurricanes with high amounts of moisture. Multiple flash flood emergencies were issued during Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Winter precipitation

  • Blizzard Warning – Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) or greater, considerable falling, and/or blowing snow reducing visibility frequently to 1⁄4 mile (0.40 km) or less for a period of three hours or more. There are no temperature criteria in the definition of a blizzard, but freezing temperatures of at least 0 °C (32 °F) and 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) winds will create wind chills of at least −8.5 °C (16.7 °F).[8]
  • Winter Storm Warning – Hazardous winter weather conditions that pose a threat to life and/or property are occurring, imminent, or highly likely. The generic term, winter storm warning, is used for a combination of two or more of the following winter weather events; heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and strong winds.[9] The National Weather Service has deprecated the Heavy Snow Warning and Sleet Warning products in favor of issuing a Winter Storm Warning for Heavy Snow or a Winter Storm Warning for Heavy Sleet, respectively.
  • Lake Effect Snow Warning – Very heavy lake-effect snowfall amounts of generally 6 inches (15 cm) in 12 hours or less or 8 inches (20 cm) in 24 hours or less are imminent or highly likely. Lake-effect snow squalls can significantly reduce visibilities with little notice.[10] Issued as a Winter Storm Warning by some National Weather Service forecast offices.
  • Ice Storm Warning – Heavy ice accumulations are imminent and the criteria for amounts vary over different county warning areas. Accumulations range from 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch (6.4 to 12.7 mm) or more of freezing rain. In Canada, these are known as Freezing Rain Warnings.[11]
  • Winter Storm Watch – Hazardous winter weather conditions including significant accumulations of snow and/or freezing rain and/or sleet are possible generally within 48 hours. These watches are issued by the National Weather Service Forecast Office.[12]
  • Winter Weather Advisory – Hazardous winter weather conditions are occurring, imminent, or likely. Conditions will cause a significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, may result in a potential threat to life and/or property. The generic term, winter weather advisory (which replaced the previously used "travelers advisory"), is used for a combination of two or more of the following events; snow, freezing rain or freezing drizzle, sleet, and blowing snow.[13] The National Weather Service has deprecated the Snow Advisory and Blowing Snow Advisory products in favor of issuing a Winter Weather Advisory for Snow or a Winter Weather Advisory for Snow and Blowing Snow, respectively.

Deprecated

  • Heavy Snow Warning – Heavy snowfall amounts are imminent; the criteria for amounts vary significantly over different county warning areas.[14]
  • Sleet Warning – Heavy sleet accumulations of 2 inches (5.1 cm) or more in 12 hours or less are imminent. Usually issued as a winter storm warning for heavy sleet.[15]
  • Snow Advisory – Moderate snowfall amounts are imminent; the criteria for amounts vary significantly over different county warning areas.[16]
  • Blowing Snow Advisory – Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 25 to 35 miles per hour (40 to 56 km/h) accompanied by falling and blowing snow, occasionally reducing visibility to 1⁄4 mile (0.40 km) or less.[17]
  • Extreme Cold Watch – Dangerously low temperatures are possible for a prolonged period of time. Frostbite and hypothermia are likely if exposed to these temperatures.
  • Extreme Cold Warning – Dangerously low temperatures are expected for a prolonged period of time. Frostbite and hypothermia are likely if exposed to these temperatures.
  • Lake Effect Snow Watch - Significant amounts of lake-effect snow (generally 6 inches within 12 hours or 8 inches within 24 hours) are possible in the next 12 to 48 hours.
  • Lake Effect Snow Advisory - Moderate amounts of lake-effect snow (generally 3 to 6 inches) are expected or occurring.
  • Freezing Rain Advisory - Accretion of ice up to a quarter of an inch is expected or occurring.
  • Blizzard Watch – Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) or greater, considerable falling, and/or blowing snow reducing visibility frequently to 1⁄4 mile (0.40 km) or less for a period of three hours or more are possible generally within the next 48 hours.

Fire weather

  • Fire Warning – A fire is currently burning in the area and evacuation is recommended.
  • Red Flag Warning – A warning issued when conditions are favorable for the rapid spread of wildfires.
  • Fire Weather Watch – Conditions are expected to become favorable for the rapid spread of wildfires.

Flooding

  • River Flood Warning – Flooding of streams or rivers is occurring, imminent, or highly likely. These warnings are issued on a county by county basis by the local Weather Forecast Office and are generally in effect for a couple of days or longer.
  • Areal Flood Warning – General or areal flooding of streets, low-lying areas, urban storm drains, creeks, and small streams is occurring, imminent, or highly likely. Flood warnings are usually issued for flooding that occurs more than six hours after the excessive rainfall, or when flooding is imminent/occurring but is not rapid enough to prompt a flash flood warning. These warnings are issued on a polygonal basis by the local Weather Forecast Office and are generally in effect for six to twelve hours.[18]
  • River Flood Advisory – Streams or rivers reaching action stage is occurring, imminent, or highly likely. These advisories are issued on a county by county basis by the local Weather Forecast Office and are generally in effect for a couple of days or longer.
  • Areal Flood Advisory – Minor general or areal flooding of streets, low-lying areas, urban storm drains, creeks, and small streams is occurring, imminent, or highly likely. These advisories are issued on a polygonal basis by the local Weather Forecast Office and are generally in effect for three to six hours.
  • Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory – Another form of the areal flood advisory, where ponding of water on streets, low-lying areas, highways, underpasses, urban storm drains, and elevation of creek and small stream levels is occurring or imminent. Urban and small stream flood advisories are issued for flooding that occurs within three hours after the excessive rainfall. These advisories are issued on a polygonal basis by the local Weather Forecast Office and are generally in effect for three to four hours (however, the NWS website does not the advisory as an area-specific polygon, instead indicating the individual counties/parishes/boroughs affected).[19]

Coastal/lakeshore hazards

  • Coastal Flood Warning – Coastal flooding is occurring or is imminent in the next 12 hours, which poses a serious threat to life and/or property.
  • Coastal Flood Watch – Coastal flooding is possible in the next 24 hours, which would pose a serious threat to life and/or property.
  • Coastal Flood Advisory – Minor coastal flooding is occurring or is imminent in the next 12 hours, which poses a threat to life and/or property.
  • Storm Surge Watch – Life-threatening inundation from rising water being forced inland by an ongoing or potential tropical, subtropical or post-tropical cyclone is possible within the specified area, generally within 48 hours. It may be issued in advance of the cyclone's landfall if other hazardous tropical conditions (such as the onset of tropical storm-force winds) are expected to limit enactment of safety precautions, and may also be issued for adjacent locations that could potentially be isolated by surge inundation.[20]
  • Storm Surge Warning – Localized heavy flooding due to storm surge caused by a tropical cyclone is occurring or is imminent in the next 12 hours, which poses a threat to life and/or property.[20][21]
  • Lakeshore Flood Warning – Lakeshore flooding is occurring or is imminent in the next 12 hours, which poses a serious threat to life and/or property.
    Seiche Warning – Rapid, large fluctuations in water level in the Great Lakes (similar to the sloshing in a bath tub) caused by storms or high winds, resulting in both lakeshore flooding and critically low water levels at different times. Issued as a Lakeshore Flood Warning with reference of being a Seiche Warning.
  • Lakeshore Flood Watch – Lakeshore flooding is possible in the next 24 hours, which would pose a serious threat to life and/or property.
  • Lakeshore Flood Advisory – Minor lakeshore flooding is occurring or is imminent in the next 12 hours, which poses a threat to life and/or property.
  • Lake Wind Warning
  • High Surf Warning – Destructive, pounding surf poses a danger to those in and near the water and may damage property near the shoreline.
  • High Surf Advisory – Pounding surf poses a danger to those in the water.
  • Rip Current Statement – Describes a risk of rip currents present in the specified area (may be issued as a beach hazards statement).
  • Beach Hazards Statement – Issued for rip currents, chemical hazards, or biological hazards in lake or ocean waters.

Marine hazards

  • Heavy Freezing Spray Warning – Usually issued for shipping interests when conditions are favorable for the rapid freezing of sea spray on vessels at a rate of more than 2 centimetres (0.79 in) per hour.
  • Freezing Spray Advisory – Usually issued for shipping interests when conditions are probable for the freezing of sea spray on vessels.[22]
  • Hazardous Seas Warning – Issued when rough surf is expected, but strong winds are not.
  • Hazardous Seas Watch – Issued when rough surf is possible, but strong winds are not expected.
  • Low Water Advisory – Issued when critically low water levels present a navigation hazard.
  • Marine Weather Statement – The equivalent of a special weather statement at sea, indicating potentially hazardous marine conditions.
  • Special Marine Warning – A warning to mariners of hazardous thunderstorms or squalls with wind gusts of 34 knots (39 mph or 63 km/h) or more, hail 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter or larger, or waterspouts.[23]

Temperature

See also Windchill section below.

  • Excessive Heat Warning – Extreme Heat Index (HI) values forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least two days. Specific criteria varies among local Weather Forecast Offices, due to climate variability and the effect of excessive heat on the local population. Typical HI values are maximum daytime temperatures above 105 to 110 °F (41 to 43 °C) and minimum nighttime temperatures above 75 °F (24 °C).[24][25]
    • Excessive Heat Watch – Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.[24]
  • Extreme Cold Warning – Forecast shelter temperature of −50 °F (−46 °C) or colder and air temperature remains below −40 °F (−40 °C) up to the 700 mb (21 inHg) level for three or more consecutive days. Only issued by Weather Forecast Offices in Alaska. Elsewhere, an Extreme Cold Warning can be issued by local Weather Forecast Offices as an experimental product using locally appropriate thresholds, usually with little or no wind.[24]
    • Extreme Cold Watch – Conditions are favorable for an extreme cold event to meet or exceed local Extreme Cold Warning criteria. Only issued by Weather Forecast Offices in Alaska.[24]
  • Freeze Warning – Widespread sheltered temperatures are forecast to be at or below 32 °F (0 °C) in the next 12 to 24 hours during the locally defined growing season. A freeze may occur with or without frost.[24][26]
    • Freeze Watch – Conditions are favorable for a freeze event to meet or exceed Freeze Warning criteria in the next 12 to 48 hours during the locally defined growing season.[24]
  • Frost Advisory – Minimum sheltered temperatures are forecast to be 33 to 36 °F (1 to 2 °C) during the locally defined growing season on nights with good radiational cooling conditions (e.g., light winds and clear skies). Widespread frost can be expected.[24][27]
  • Hard Freeze Warning – Widespread temperatures at or below 28 °F (−2 °C) during the growing season. A hard freeze may occur with or without frost.[24]
  • Heat Advisory – High Heat Index (HI) values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for one or two days. Specific criteria vary over different county warning areas, due to climate variability and the effect of excessive heat on the local population. Typical HI values are maximum daytime temperatures above 100 to 105 °F (38 to 41 °C) and minimum nighttime temperatures above 75 °F (24 °C).[24][28]

Windchill

  • Wind Chill Warning – Extreme wind chills that are life-threatening are imminent or occurring; the criteria varies significantly over different county warning areas.[29]
  • Wind Chill Advisory – Dangerous wind chills making it feel very cold are imminent or occurring; the criteria varies significantly over different county warning areas.[30]
  • Wind Chill Watch – Extreme wind chills that are life-threatening are possible; the criteria varies significantly over different county warning areas.

Aviation

The following advisories are issued by the National Weather Service Aviation Weather Center (outside of Alaska) or Alaska Aviation Weather Unit. Atmospheric ash plume advisories/warnings are also issued by the United States Geological Survey (Aviation Color Codes).

  • Center Weather Advisory – Advisories issued when conditions just below severe (SIGMET) criteria. CWAs are issued for thunderstorms, turbulence, icing, and ceiling and visibility limits (IFR).[31]
  • SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) – Advises of weather that is potentially hazardous to all aircraft and is affecting or is forecast to affect at least 3,000 square miles (8,000 km2).[31]
    • Convective SIGMET – A convective SIGMET implies severe or greater turbulence, severe icing, and low level wind shear. Issued for severe surface weather (including surface winds greater than or equal to 50 knots (93 km/h; 58 mph), hail at the surface greater than or equal to 3⁄4 inch (19 mm) in diameter, or tornadoes); embedded thunderstorms; line of thunderstorms; thunderstorms greater than or equal to VIP level 4 affecting 40% or more of an area at least 3,000 square miles (7,800 km2).[31]
    • Non-Convective SIGMET – These SIGMETs may be issued for: severe icing; severe or extreme turbulence; dust storms and/or sand storms lowering visibilities to less than 3 miles (5 km); or volcanic ash. SIGMET advisories are issued for six hours during hurricanes and four hours for other weather-related events.[31]
  • Volcanic Ash Advisories – Advisory issued for all ash plumes detected by satellite imagery, including the location of the volcano, location/description of ash plume, forecast (at 6, 12 and 18 hours), and a graphic of the ash plume location/forecast. VAAs are issued by Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers in Anchorage (Alaska) and Washington (Contiguous United States, Caribbean, Central America, most of the North Pacific, and South America north of 10°S).[32]

VAAs are standardized worldwide by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Other hazards

  • Air Stagnation Advisory – Atmospheric conditions stable enough to cause air pollutants to accumulate in a given area. Criteria developed in conjunction with the local or state EPA and the product issued at their request.[24]
  • Ashfall Advisory – Airborne ash plume resulting in ongoing deposition at the surface. Ashfall may originate directly from a volcanic eruption or from the re-suspension (by wind) of a significant amount of relic ash.[24]
  • Blowing Dust Advisory – Strong winds and considerable blowing sand or dust reducing visibilities.[24]
  • Dense Fog Advisory – Widespread or localized fog reducing visibilities to 1⁄4 mi (0.4 km) or less.[24][33]
  • Freezing Fog Advisory – Widespread dense fog reducing visibility to less than 1⁄4 mile (400 m) that occurs in a sub-zero environment, leaving a thin glazing of ice.
  • Dense Smoke Advisory – Widespread or localized smoke reducing visibilities to 1⁄4 mi (0.4 km) or less.[24]
  • Dust Storm Warning – Widespread or localized blowing dust reducing visibilities to 1⁄4 mi (0.4 km) or less. Sustained winds of 25 miles per hour (40 km/h) or greater are usually required.[24]
  • Special Weather Statement – An advisory issued when a hazard is approaching advisory level. In some areas, it is also used in lieu of a significant weather advisory.[24]
  • Civil Emergency Message – A message to warn the public of an in-progress or imminent significant threat(s) to public safety and/or property.

Wind and tropical cyclones

Wind alerting is classified into groups of two beaufort numbers, beginning at 6-7 for the lowest class of wind advisories. The last group includes three beaufort numbers, 14-16. The actual alerts can be categorized into three classes: maritime wind warnings, land wind warnings, and tropical cyclone warnings. Advisory-force and gale-force winds will not trigger a separate wind advisory or warning if a Blizzard warning is already in effect. However, as seen with Hurricane Sandy, if widespread high wind warnings are in effect prior to the issuance of a blizzard warning, the high wind warnings may be continued.

Wind alert terms and signals

Wind speedMarine or Beach Hazard WarningLand WarningTropical Cyclone Warning(s)FlagsLightsBeaufort force
25 to 38 mph (22 to 33 knots)Small craft advisory[34]Wind AdvisoryWind Advisory or Small craft advisory6-7
39 to 54 mph (34 to 47 knots)Gale warning[35]High wind warningTropical storm warning*8-9
55 to 73 mph (48 to 63 knots)Storm warning[36]High wind warningTropical storm warning†10-11
74-110 mph (64 to 99 knots)Hurricane Force Wind Warning[37]High wind warningHurricane warning12-13
Over 110 mph (100+ knots)Hurricane Force Wind WarningExtreme wind warningHurricane warning and Extreme wind warning‡nonenone14-16

* Tropical Storm Warning flags and lights will always be displayed the same as Storm Warning flags and lights.
† A tropical storm with winds in this range is sometimes referred to as a "severe tropical storm".
‡ The Extreme Wind Warning is issued shortly before the eyewall makes landfall

Hazardous weather risks

The various weather conditions described above have different levels of risk. The National Weather Service uses a multi-tier system of weather statements to notify the public of threatening weather conditions. These statements are used in conjunction with specific weather phenomenea to convey different levels of risk. In order of increasing risk, these statements are:

  • Outlook – A Hazardous Weather Outlook is issued daily to indicate that a hazardous weather or hydrologic event may occur in the next several days. The outlook will include information about potential severe thunderstorms, heavy rain or flooding, winter weather, extremes of heat or cold, etc., that may develop over the next seven days with an emphasis on the first 24 hours of the forecast. It is intended to provide information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event (such as emergency management agencies, Skywarn spotters and media outlets).[38]
  • Advisory – An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent, or likely. Advisories are for "less serious" conditions than warnings that may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised could lead to situations that may threaten life or property. The National Weather Service may activate weather spotters in areas affected by advisories to help them better track and analyze the event.[39]
  • Emergency – An Emergency is issued when an event that by itself cannot pose a threat to life or property, but may indirectly cause other events to happen that may pose a threat to life or property. An example of this would be a power outage, which although not directly posing a hazard, may threaten public safety and critical services. The only existing exceptions to this are the tornado emergency and flash flood emergency, which are issued to get the attention of the public to a major tornado or flash flood.[40]
  • Watch – A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so. A watch means that hazardous weather is possible. People should have a plan of action in case a storm threatens and they should listen for later information and possible warnings especially when planning travel or outdoor activities. The National Weather Service may activate weather spotters in areas affected by watches to help them better track and analyze the event.[41]
  • Warning – A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent, or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property. People in the path of the storm need to take protective action. The National Weather Service may activate weather spotters in areas affected by warnings to help them better track and analyze the event.[42]
  • Statement – A statement is either issued as a follow-up message to a warning, watch, or emergency, that may update, extend, or cancel the message it is following up or a notification of significant weather for which no type of advisory, watch, or warning exists.[40]

Media distribution

Hazardous weather forecasts and alerts are provided to the public using the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards system and through news media such as television, radio and internet sources. Many local television stations have overlay graphics which will either show a map or a list of the affected areas. The most common NWS weather alerts to be broadcast over NOAA Weather Radio using SAME technology are described in the following table:

Common NWS weather alerts
Event name Code Description
Tornado Watch TOAAlso known as a red box. Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms producing tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Watches are usually in effect for several hours, with six hours being the most common (also automatically indicates a Severe Thunderstorm Watch).
Tornado Warning TORA tornado is indicated by radar or sighted by storm spotters. The warning will include where the tornado is and what locations will be in its path (also automatically indicates a Severe Thunderstorm Warning).
Severe Thunderstorm Watch SVAAlso known as a yellow box or blue box. Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Watches are usually in effect for several hours, with six hours being the most common.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning SVRIssued when a thunderstorm produces hail 1 inch (25 mm) or larger in diameter and/or winds which equal or exceed 58 miles per hour (93 km/h). Severe thunderstorms can result in the loss of life and/or property. Information in this warning includes: where the storm is, what locations will be affected, and the primary threat(s) associated with the storm. Tornadoes can also and do develop in severe thunderstorms without the issuance of a tornado warning.
Severe Weather Statement SVSIssued when the forecaster wants to follow up a warning with important information on the progress of severe weather elements.
Special Marine Warning SMWIssued when a thunderstorm over water produces hail 1 inch (25 mm) or larger in diameter, causes winds which equal or exceed 39 miles per hour (63 km/h), or is capable of producing or currently producing a waterspout. Information in this warning includes: where the storm is, what waters will be affected, and the primary threat associated with the storm.
Flood Watch FLAIssued as either a Flood Watch or a River Flood Watch. Indicates that flooding is possible in and close to the watch area. Those in the affected area are urged to be ready to take action if a flood warning is issued or flooding is observed.
Flood Warning FLWIssued as either a Flood Warning or a River Flood Warning. Indicates that flooding is imminent or occurring in the warned area.
Flash Flood Watch FFAAlso known as a green box. Indicates that flash flooding is possible in and close to the watch area. Those in the affected area are urged to be ready to take quick action if a flash flood warning is issued or flooding is observed.
Flash Flood Warning FFWSignifies a dangerous situation where rapid flooding of small rivers, streams, creaks, or urban areas are imminent or already occurring. Very heavy rain that falls in a short time period can lead to flash flooding, depending on local terrain, ground cover, degree of urbanization, degree of man-made changes to river banks, and initial ground or river conditions.
Blizzard Watch BZAAn announcement for specific areas that blizzard conditions are possible.
Blizzard Warning BZWA warning that sustained winds or frequent gusts of 30 kn (35 mph or 56 km/h) or higher and considerable falling and/or blowing snow reducing visibilities to 1⁄4 mile (0.40 km) or less are expected in a specified area. A blizzard warning can remain in effect when snowfall ends but a combination of strong winds and blowing snow continue, even though the winter storm itself may have exited the region (also automatically indicates a Winter Storm Warning for Heavy Snow and Blowing Snow).
Tropical Storm Watch TRAAn announcement for specific areas that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning TRWA warning that sustained winds within the range of 34 to 63 kn (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 117 km/h) associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in a specified area within 36 hours or less.
Hurricane Watch HUAAn announcement for specific areas that hurricane conditions are possible, and tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.
Hurricane Warning HUWA warning that sustained winds 64 kn (74 mph or 118 km/h) or higher associated with a hurricane are expected, and tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours in a specified area. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force (also automatically indicates a Tropical Storm Warning).

The NWS uses several scales in describing weather events or conditions. Several common scales are described below.

Hail diameter sizes

The size of individual hailstones that reach surface level is determined by speed of the updraft which create the individual ice crystals at atmospheric levels. Larger hailstones are capable of producing damage to property, and particularly with very large hailstones, resulting in serious injury or death due to blunt-force trauma induced by the impact of the hailstones. Hailstone size is typically correspondent to the size of an object for comparative purposes.

Hailstone sizeMeasurement (in)Measurement (cm)Updraft Speed (mph)Updraft Speed (m/s)
pea0.250.64018
penny0.751.94420
quarter*1.002.54922
half dollar1.253.25424
walnut1.503.86027
golf ball1.754.46429
hen egg†2.005.16931
tennis ball2.506.47734
baseball2.757.08136
tea cup37.68438
grapefruit410.19844
softball4.5011.410346

* Begins hail sizes within the severe hail criterion.
† Begins hail sizes within the Storm Prediction Center's significant severe criterion.

Beaufort wind scale

The Beaufort scale is an empirical measure that correlates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land.

Wind categoryBeaufort numberWind speedConditions
Advisory-force625–31 mph
(40–50 km/h)		Large branches in motion; whistling in telephone wires.
Advisory-force732–38 mph
(51–62 km/h)		Whole trees in motion; inconvenience felt walking against wind.
Gale-force8–939–54 mph
(63–88 km/h)		Twigs break off trees; wind generally impedes progress. Tropical storm criteria begin.
Storm-force10–1155–73 mph
(89–117 km/h)		Damage to chimneys and television antennas; pushes over shallow-rooted trees. Severe thunderstorm criteria begin (58 mph (93 km/h)).
Hurricane-force12–13†74–112 mph
(118–181 km/h)		Peels shingles off roofs; windows broken if struck by debris; trees uprooted or snapped; mobile homes severely damaged or overturned; moving cars pushed off-road. Hurricane criteria begin.
Major hurricane-force
Extreme wind		14–16†113–237 mph
(182–381 km/h)		Roofs torn off houses; cars lifted off ground; trees defoliated and sometimes debarked. Major hurricane criteria begin.

†:Beaufort levels above 12 are non-standard in the United States. Instead, the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale (Category 1, Category 2, etc.) is used.

Enhanced Fujita tornado intensity scale

The Enhanced Fujita scale, an updated version of the original Fujita scale that was developed by Ted Fujita with Allen Pearson, assigns a numerical rating from EF0 to EF5 to rate the damage intensity of tornadoes. EF0 and EF1 tornadoes are considered "weak" tornadoes, EF2 and EF3 are classified as "strong" tornadoes, with winds of at least major hurricane force, where EF4 and EF5 are categorized as "violent" tornadoes, with winds corresponding to category 5 hurricane winds and rising to match or exceed the strongest tropical cyclones on record. The EF scale is based on tornado damage (primarily to buildings), which makes it difficult to rate tornadoes that strike in sparsely populated areas, where few man-made structures are found. The Enhanced Fujita scale went into effect on February 1, 2007.

EF numberWind speedComparable hurricane windsDamageExamples
065–85 mph (105–137 km/h)Severe tropical storm – Category 1Light damage. Peels surface off some roofs; some damage to gutters or siding; branches broken off trees; shallow-rooted trees pushed over.Philadelphia (1999); Jacksonville (2004); St. Louis (2007); Windsor, Ontario (2009); Minneapolis (2009)
186–110 (138–178 km/h)Category 1–2Moderate damage. Roofs severely stripped; mobile homes overturned or badly damaged; loss of exterior doors; windows and other glass broken.Houston, (1992), Miami (1997), Bronx, New York (2010); Brooklyn and Queens, New York (2010); Minneapolis (2011)
2111–135 (179–218 km/h)Category 3Considerable damage. Roofs torn off well-constructed houses; foundations of frame homes shifted; mobile homes completely destroyed; large trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles generated; cars lifted off ground.Salt Lake City (1999); Brooklyn (2007); Atlanta (2008); Vaughan, Ontario (2009); Mobile (2012)
3136–165 (219–266 km/h)Category 4–5Severe damage. Entire stories of well-constructed houses destroyed; severe damage to large buildings such as shopping malls; trains overturned; trees debarked; heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown; structures with weak foundations blown away some distance.St. Louis (1871); Miami (1925); Pine Lake, Alberta (2000); Springfield, Massachusetts (2011); El Reno, Oklahoma (2013)
4166–200 (267–322 km/h)Strong category 5Devastating damage. Well-constructed houses and whole frame houses completely leveled; cars thrown and small missiles generated.St. Louis (1896); Regina, Saskatchewan (1912); Worcester (1953); Jackson (2003); Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Alabama (2011)
5>200 (>322 km/h)Hurricane PatriciaExplosive damage. Strong frame houses leveled off foundations and swept away; automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 m (300 ft); steel reinforced concrete structures badly damaged; high-rise buildings have significant structural deformation; incredible phenomena will occur.Waco (1953); Birmingham (1977); Moore, Oklahoma (1999); Joplin (2011); Moore, Oklahoma (2013)

Saffir–Simpson hurricane category scale

The Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, assigns a numerical classification of hurricanes into five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds. The scale spans from Category 1 (winds of at least 74 miles per hour (119 km/h)) to Category 5 (exceeding 156 miles per hour (251 km/h)). Unlike the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which assigns ratings for tornadoes after damage has been incurred and thoroughly assessed, categories on the Saffir-Simpson scale are assigned to most active cyclones that reach the minimum hurricane threshold, even before landfall.

CategorySustained windsStorm surgeCentral pressurePotential damageExample(s)
33–42 m/s

74–95 mph
64–82 knot
119–153 km/h

 4–5 ft

1.2–1.5 m

 28.94 inHg

980 mbar

 No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some coastal flooding and minor pier damage.[43] Jerry (1989)

Ismael (1995)
Danny (1997)
Gaston (2004)
Kate (2015)

43–49 m/s

96–110 mph
83–95 kt
154–177 km/h

 6–8 ft

1.8–2.4 m

 28.50–28.91 inHg

965–979 mbar

 Some roofing material, door, and window damage. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes, etc. Flooding damages piers and small craft in unprotected anchorages may break their moorings.[43] Carol (1954)

Diana (1990)
Erin (1995)
Marty (2003)
Juan (2003)

50–58 m/s

111–129 mph
96–113 kt
178–209 km/h

 9–12 ft

2.7–3.7 m

 27.91–28.47 inHg

945–964 mbar

 Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings, with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Mobile homes are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may be flooded well inland.[43] Alma (1966)

Alicia (1983)
Roxanne (1995)
Fran (1996)
Isidore (2002)

Sandy (2012)

59–69 m/s

130–156 mph
114–135 kt
210–249 km/h

 13–18 ft

4.0–5.5 m

 27.17–27.88 inHg

920–944 mbar

 More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland.[43] "Galveston" (1900)

Hazel (1954)
Iniki (1992)
Iris (2001)
Charley (2004)
Harvey (2017)

≥70 m/s

≥157 mph
≥136 kt
≥250 km/h

 ≥19 ft

≥5.5 m

 <27.17 inHg

<920 mbar

 Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas may be required.[43] "Labor Day" (1935)

"Mexico" (1959)
Camille (1969)
Gilbert (1988)
Andrew (1992)
Irma (2017)

See also

References

  1. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Tornado Watch". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  2. 1 2 "National Weather Service glossary: PDS". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  3. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Tornado warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  4. 1 2 "Impact Based Warnings". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2014. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
  5. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Severe thunderstorm watch". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  6. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Severe thunderstorm warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  7. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Flash Flood Warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  8. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Blizzard warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  9. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Winter storm warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  10. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Lake Effect Snow Warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  11. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Ice Storm Warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  12. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Winter storm watch". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  13. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Winter Weather Advisory". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  14. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Heavy Snow Warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  15. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Sleet Warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  16. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Snow Advisory". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  17. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Blowing Snow Advisory". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  18. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Flood Warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  19. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  20. 1 2 Storm surge watch & warning to become operational in 2017 (PDF). National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. January 23, 2017. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
  21. ↑ "National Hurricane Center's views on the use of scales to communicate the storm surge hazard" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. September 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  22. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Freezing Spray Advisory". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. October 14, 2010. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
  23. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Special Marine Warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "WFO NON-PRECIPITATION WEATHER PRODUCTS SPECIFICATION" (PDF). NWS Directives System. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. November 18, 2011. pp. 6–7. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
  25. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Excessive Heat Warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  26. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Freeze Warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  27. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Frost Advisory". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  28. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Heat Advisory". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  29. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Wind Chill Warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  30. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Wind Chill Advisory". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  31. 1 2 3 4 "ADDS SIGMET Help". Aviation Weather Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
  32. ↑ "Washington, DC VAAC - Introduction". NOAA Satellite Information Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
  33. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Dense Fog Advisory". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  34. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  35. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  36. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  37. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  38. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Outlook". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  39. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Advisory". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  40. 1 2 "Emergency Alert System (EAS) Event Codes/NWR Specific Area Message Encoding (NWR-SAME) Codes". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. October 11, 2005. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
  41. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Watch". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  42. ↑ "National Weather Service glossary: Warning". National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 25, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  43. 1 2 3 4 5 National Hurricane Center (June 22, 2006). "Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale Information". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2007-02-25.
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