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Watch/Warning Criteria by NWS WFO
This is a section in where you can view the criteria for advisories, watches, and warnings issued by the NWS offices.
AKQ Wakefield
BMX Birmingham
CAE Columbia
CHS Charleston
FFC Atlanta
Winter Weather Criteria
- Winter Storm Watch - Issued within 12 - 48 hours of a winter event with at least a 50% chance of occurring.
- Blizzard Watch - Issued 12 - 48 hours before a possible blizzard with the probability of occurring at 50% or greater. A blizzard is defined as frequent wind gusts exceeding 35mph with heavy snowfall reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile for at least 3 hours.
- Winter Weather Advisory - Issued within 36 hours of a winter event with at least an 80% chance of occurring, but when the threat doesn't exceed those of a winter storm warning.
- Winter Storm Warning - Issued within 36 hours of a storm for snow amounts of 2“+, 1/2”+ of sleet, and or 1/4“+ freezing rain.
- Blizzard Warning - Issued up to 36 hours before a potential blizzard with the probability of occurring at 80% or greater. A blizzard is defined as frequent wind gusts exceeding 35mph with heavy snowfall reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile for at least 3 hours.
Freezing Rain
- Freezing Rain Advisory - Issued within 36 hours of an ice event that has at least an 80% chance of occurring, but in which the threat does not exceed warning criteria.
- Ice Storm Warning - Issued within 36 hours of an ice event that has at least an 80% chance of occurring, in which 1/4”+ of freezing rain is possible.
Wind Chill
- Wind Chill Watch - Issued 12 - 48 hours before a time in which there is a 50% or greater chance where the wind chill could be -10F or below.
- Wind Chill Advisory - Issued within 36 hours before a time in which there is an 80% or greater chance of where the wind chil could be between 5F and -10F.
- Wind Chill Warning - Issued within 36 hours before a time in which there is an 80% or greater chance of where the wind chil could be -10F or below.