General Winter Weather Forecast Terms (NWS-FW)
Outlook (prepare):
- Issued 3 to 5 days before the onset of potential significant winter weather (snow, freezing rain, extreme cold)
- Issued as a Special Weather Statement (SPS) and/or mentioned in the Hazardous Weather Outlook (HWO)
- Highlights the potential for significant winter weather
- Geared towards helping individuals and decision makers plan for hazardous winter weather
Watch (prepare):
- Issued 36-48 hours before the onset of significant winter weather (can be issued earlier when there is high confidence)
- Specifies locations impacted, timing and event severity
- Signifies an increase in forecaster confidence that significant winter weather is expected to occur
Advisory (take action):
- Issued 0-36 hours before the onset of hazardous winter weather
- Hazardous conditions will occur, but amounts are not expected to reach warning criteria. Impacts are expected!
- Note: An Advisory is NOT a downgrade from a Warning
Warning (take action):
- Issued 0-36 hours before onset of significant hazardous winter weather.
- Winter weather with significant impacts is expected!
North Texas Winter Weather Product Guide (NWS-FW)
Winter Storm Warning (most likely to be released):
- Snow Accumulation > 4in. and/or Freezing Rain Accumulation > 1/4 in. and/or Sleet Accumulation > 1/2 in. in 12 hours
- Snow Accumulation ≥ 6 in. and/or Freezing Rain Accumulation ≥ 1/4 in. and/or Sleet Accumulation ≥ 1/2 in. in 24 hours
Ice Storm Warning:
Freezing Rain Accumulation ≥ 1/4 in. (Freezing Rain Exclusively)
Blizzard Warning:
Sustained Winds or Frequent Gusts ≥ 35 MPH accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow with reduced visibility of ≤ 1/4 mile for 3 or more hours
Winter Weather Advisory:
- Sleet Accumulation < 1/2 in. and/or Snow Accumulation < 4 in. and/or Freezing Rain or Freezing Drizzle Accumulation < 1/4 in.
- Blowing/Drifting snow with visibility near 1/4 mile & winds < 35 MPH
Freezing Rain Advisory:
Freezing Rain or Freezing Drizzle Accumulation < 1/4 in. (Freezing Rain or Freezing Drizzle Exclusively)
Wind Chill Advisory:
Wind Chill Temperatures < 0?
Winter Storm Watch:
Moderate to High Confidence that Warning Criteria will be met
Blizzard Watch:
Moderate to High Confidence that Warning Criteria will be met
Note: A Warning may be issued for Advisory-level accumulations if impacts are expected to be significant (e.g., during morning/evening rush hour or busy travel days)