Severe Thunderstorms in the Central U.S.; Upper Level Low Over California

Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible today across central and eastern Minnesota, Iowa, and western Wisconsin. A few tornadoes, isolated very large hail, and damaging winds may occur. An upper level low will help trigger scattered thunderstorms over portions of central and southern California today along with a few inches of snow in the central Sierra Nevadas. Read More >

To: NWS Partners, Users and Employees

From: NWS Forecast Services Division

Subject: Soliciting Comments on the Display of Future Plain Language Headlines to Replace “Advisory” through June 16, 2023

The National Weather Service (NWS) will be implementing changes to its hazard messaging headlines no earlier than calendar year 2025 and is collecting public comment on changes to display options through June 16, 2023. The NWS “Advisory” and “Special Weather Statements” headlines will be replaced by plain language headlines. This new plain language product will be in a bulleted “What, Where, When, Impacts” format and equipped with computer-readable Valid Time Event Code (VTEC).

The transition to plain language necessitates changes to the national map of active alerts and the local forecast pages. As such, the NWS is currently exploring a set of options for these displays that include proposed adjustments to the colors and wording.

A survey is available at the following link and will remain open through June 16: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HazSimp23

Additional details on the change may be found on the project website: https://www.weather.gov/hazardsimplification/

Questions and comments can be directed to the NWS Hazard Simplification Team at: hazsimp@noaa.gov.

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