Severe Thunderstorms and Excessive Rainfall in the Mid-Atlantic; Heat and Fire Weather Concerns in the West

Scattered strong to severe storms, excessive rainfall, and flooding are expected across parts of the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast today. Flood Watches are in effect. Heat will continue to impact the West today. Heat advisories are in effect for portions of the Intermountain West; and Extreme Heat Warnings are in effect for portions of Arizona and southeast California. Read More >

Getting The Word | Climatology | Winter Storms | Definitions

The National Weather Service uses the following definitions when describing winter weather:

An advance statement that severe winter weather conditions are possible within the next day or two.

An urgent statement that severe winter weather conditions have begun or will begin within about 12 hours.

Advisory

A statement that winter weather conditions are imminent or occurring. These conditions will cause significant inconvenience, and may become hazardous or life-threatening if safety tips are not followed.

Heavy Snow

Snowfall which accumulates to a depth of at least 4 inches in 12 hours or 6 inches in 24 hours.

Sleet

Pellets of ice composed of frozen or mostly frozen raindrops, or snowflakes which have melted and refrozen.

Freezing Rain/Freezing Drizzle

Rain or drizzle which falls as liquid then freezes when it strikes the ground or other surface.

Frost

The formation of thin ice crystals on the ground or other surfaces.

Wind Chill

A cooling effect caused when wind blows across exposed skin.

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Severe Thunderstorms and Excessive Rainfall in the Mid-Atlantic; Heat and Fire Weather Concerns in the West

NWS Ft. Worth