National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

 

What is a "Tornado Warning"?
  • "Tornado Warning" - Bulletin issued when a tornado has actually been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.
  • Product Identifiers - ATLTORFFC or WFUS52
  • This product is updated... as conditions warrant using the "Severe Weather Statement" product.

 


 

What is a "Severe Thunderstorm Warning"?

 

  • "Severe Thunderstorm Warning" - Bulletin issued when a severe thunderstorm has actually been observed by spotters or indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area. A "severe" thunderstorm is one that produces hail the size of quarters or larger, or damaging winds (winds above 58 mph).
  • Product Identifiers - ATLSVRFFC or WUUS52
     
  • This product is updated... as conditions warrant using the "Severe Weather Statement" product.

 

What is a "Severe Weather Statement"?

 

  • "Severe Weather Statement" - Bulletin issued to update or cancel a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning.
  • Product Identifiers - ATLSVSFFC or WWUS52
     
  • This product is updated... as conditions warrant using another "Severe Weather Statement".

 

What is a "Significant Weather Advisory"?

 

  • "Significant Weather Advisory" - Bulletin issued to provide information about thunderstorms causing any of the following problems:
    • Unusually frequent/intense cloud-to-ground lightning
    • Winds 40 to 50 mph
    • Hail smaller than quarters
    • Heavy rain causing significant visibility restrictions...especially near major highways during high traffic times... or ponding of water on roadways.
  • Product Identifiers - ATLSPSFFC or WWUS82
     
  • This product is updated... as conditions warrant using another "Significant Weather Advisory".

 

What is a "Flash Flood Warning"?

 

  • "Flash Flood Warning" - Bulletin issued when flash flooding is actually occurring or imminent in the warning area. It can be issued as a result of torrential rains, a dam failure, or ice jam.
  • Product Identifiers - ATLFFWFFC or WGUS 52
     
  • This product is updated... as conditions warrant using the "Flash Flood Statement" product.

 

What is a "Flash Flood Statement"?

 

  • "Flash Flood Statement" - Message issued after a Flash Flood Warning when flash flooding is actually occurring or imminent in a warning area. It is issued every one to six hours to update information provided in the previous Flash Flood Statement, or in the original Flash Flood Warning.
  • Product Identifiers - ATLFFSFFC or WGUS 72
     
  • This product is updated... with additional Flash Flood Statements.

 

What is a "Local Storm Report"?

 

  • "Local Storm Report" - Message providing brief details of specific storm damage.
  • Product Identifiers - ATLLSRFFC or NWUS52
     
  • This product is updated... if new information becomes available regarding a specific event previously reported, using another "Local Storm Report".

 

What is a "Public Information Statement"?

 

  • "Public Information Statement" - message used to distribute information regarding hydrometeorological events; public education;
    National Weather Service (NWS) service changes, limitations or interruptions; and special guidelines for interpreting NWS data..
  • Product Identifiers - ATLPNSFFC or NWUS42
     
  • This product is updated... if new information becomes available regarding a specific event previously reported, using another "Public Information statement".

 

What is a "Flood Potential Outlook"?

 

  • "Flood Potential Outlook" - Bulletin issued to provide information about potential in the next few days for heavy rainfall which could cause flooding.
  • Product Identifiers - ATLESFFFC or FGUS 72
     
  • This product is updated... at least once every day with another "Flood Potential Outlook" or possibly with a "Flood Watch", unless the threat for flooding dissipates.

 

What is a "Flood Statement"?

 

  • "Flood Statement" - Bulletin issued to provide updated information about flooding along main stem rivers, or important creeks.
  • Product Identifiers - ATLFLSFFC or WGUS 82
     
  • This product is updated... at least once every day with another "Flood Statement" until water levels drop below flood stage, or the threat of flooding has ended.

 

What is a "Flood Watch"?

 

  • "Flood Watch" - Bulletin issued when expected rainfall could cause creeks, streams and/or rivers to overflow.
  • Product Identifiers - ATLFFAATL or WGUS 62
     
  • This product is updated... at least every 6 to 8 hours with another "Flood Watch" product until the threat of flooding has ended or until Flood Warnings have been issued.

 

What is a "Flood Warning" or "Areal Flood Warning"?

 

  • "Flood Warning" - a Flood Warning is bulletin issued when main stem rivers, or important creeks are expected to reach or exceed flood stage at specific sites.
  • "Areal Flood Warning" - an Areal Flood Warning is issued for highflow, overflow or inundation of a defined area, or when creeks and non-mainstem rivers are expected to flood or remain in flood after 6 hours and there is a threat to life or property and possible evacuations. 
     
  • Product Identifiers - ATLFLWFFC or WGUS 42
     
  • This product is updated... at least once every day for main stem river flooding with a Flood Statement product until water levels drop below flood stage, or the threat of flooding has ended. For areal flooding an update may be issued on a much shorter time scale as conditions warrant.

 


 

What is a "Hazardous Weather Outlook"?

 

  • "Hazardous Weather Outlook" - Message providing details regarding our assessment of the potential for the occurrence of hazardous weather, such as lightning, flooding, significant visibility restrictions, damaging thunderstorms, tornadoes, etc.
  • Product Identifiers - ATLHWOATL or FLUS42
     
  • This product is updated... as expectations change, with another "Hazardous Weather Outlook".