National Weather Service
Winter storms
Every winter storm, blizzard, ice storm, lake effect snow, snow squall, extreme cold and avalanche warning, watch and advisory in effect in the US, as the National Weather Service issued it.
In effect now
Updated 52 sec ago from the National Weather Service.
- severeWinter Storm Warning2 zones
South Slopes of the Western Brooks Range, Noatak Valley
NWS Fairbanks AK
until Oct 29, 4:00 PM AKDT - moderate
Upper Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest
NWS Pendleton OR
until Oct 28, 5:00 PM PDT - moderateWinter Weather Advisory4 zones
Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, Cascades of Snohomish and Northern King Counties, Cascades of Southern King County, Cascades of Pierce and Lewis Counties
NWS Seattle WA
until Oct 28, 5:00 PM PDT - moderateWinter Weather Advisory2 zones
Western Chelan County, Western Okanogan County
NWS Spokane WA
until Oct 28, 5:00 PM PDT
What each alert means
In the National Weather Service's words. Each local office sets its own criteria: the snow that makes a Winter Storm Warning in the Northern Plains is far more than in the Southeast.
- Blizzard Warning
Blizzard Warnings are issued for frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow, frequently reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile for three hours or more. A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely, leading to whiteout conditions making travel extremely difficult. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle and wait for help to arrive.
- Winter Storm Warning
Winter Storm Warnings are issued for a significant winter weather event including snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow or a combination of these hazards. Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations. Delay your travel plans until conditions improve.
- Ice Storm Warning
Ice Storm Warnings are usually issued for ice accumulation of around 1/4 inch or more. This amount of ice accumulation will make travel dangerous or impossible and likely lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches. Travel is strongly discouraged.
- Lake Effect Snow Warning
Lake Effect Snow Warnings are issued when widespread or localized lake induced snow squalls or heavy showers are expected to produce significant snowfall accumulation. Lake effect snow usually develops in narrow bands and impacts a limited area. These bands can produce very heavy snow with sudden restrictions in visibility. Driving conditions may become hazardous at times.
- Snow Squall Warning
Snow squall warnings are short-fused and focused on distinct areas (like tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings). These warnings provide critical, highly localized life-saving information. If a snow squall warning is issued for your area, avoid or delay motor travel until the squall passes through your location.
- Extreme Cold Warning
An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chill values are expected or occurring. If you are in an area with an Extreme Cold Warning, avoid going outside. If you have to go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows your whereabouts.
- Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event (heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, heavy snow and blowing snow or a combination of events.)
- Extreme Cold Watch
An Extreme Cold Watch is issued when extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chill values are possible, but the occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain.
- Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisories are issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or a combination of these wintry elements is expected but conditions should not be hazardous enough to meet warning criteria. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible travel difficulties. Use caution when driving.
- Cold Weather Advisory
A Cold Weather Advisory is issued for dangerously cold conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.
Staying safe
- Stay off the roads if you can. If you are trapped in your car, stay inside.
- Never heat the house with a gas stovetop or oven, and run generators and grills only outdoors, away from windows.
- Limit time outside, wear layers, and watch for the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Avoid overexertion shoveling snow: winter storms bring a higher risk of heart attacks.
From ready.gov and the National Weather Service.
If the power goes out →Winter storm prep kit →A weather radio that wakes you for a warning →
