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WIND VECTORS …
NWS Surface Observations: Wind and Temps and more …
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SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS
High Wind Watch
A High Wind Watch is issued when the following conditions are possible:
1) sustained winds of 40 mph or higher for one hour or more
OR
2) wind gusts of 58 mph or higher for one hour or more.
High Wind Warning
A High Wind Warning is issued when the following conditions are occurring or imminent:
1) sustained winds of 40 mph or higher for one hour or more
OR
2) wind gusts of 58 mph or higher for one hour or more.
Wind Advisory
A Wind Advisory is issued when the following conditions are expected for 3 hours or longer.
1) sustained winds of 31 to 39 mph
AND/OR
2) wind gusts of 46 to 57 mph.
Extreme Wind Warning
An Extreme Wind Warning is issued for surface winds of 100 knots (115 MPH) or greater associated with non-convective, downslope, derecho (NOT associated with a tornado), or sustained hurricane winds are expected to occur within one hour.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.
Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
1) Winds of 58 mph or higher
AND/OR
2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area.
Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
1) Winds of 58 mph or higher
AND/OR
2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Tornado Watch
A Tornado Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.
Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
1) Winds of 58 mph or higher
AND/OR
2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Tornado Warning
A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.
Special Marine Warning
A warning of potentially hazardous weather conditions of short duration (up to 2 hours) affecting areas included in a CWF that are not adequately covered by existing marine warnings and producing one or more of the following:
1) Sustained marine convective winds (showers/thunderstorms) or associated gusts of 34 knots or greater
AND/OR
2) Hail three quarters of an inch or more in diameter
AND/OR
3) Waterspouts
Small Craft Advisory (Sterling Virginia)
Small Craft Advisories are issued for the Tidal Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay when one or both of the following conditions is expected to begin within 36 hours:
1) sustained winds of 18 knots to 33 knots
OR
2) frequent gusts (duration of two or more hours) between 18 knots and 33 knots.
OR
3) waves of 4 feet or higher
NWS Winter Terms
nws.noaa.gov/os/winter/ww.shtml
WINTER WARNINGS
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 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 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.
Wind Chill Warnings are issued for a combination of very cold air and strong winds that will create dangerously low wind chill values. This level of wind chill will result in frostbite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Avoid going outdoors and wear warm protective clothing if you must venture outside. See the NWS Wind Chill Chart.
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.