Winter weather watches and warnings explained
Weather alerts use specific words that tell you how soon bad weather will arrive and how dangerous it will be. Here is what each alert actually means for your day.
If you only do three things
- A Watch means 'get ready' (conditions are possible in 24–48 hours); a Warning means 'take action now' (dangerous weather is happening or arriving shortly).
- An Ice Storm Warning is often worse for power lines and roads than a heavy snow warning—stay off the roads and charge all devices immediately.
- A Blizzard Warning is about wind and zero visibility (35+ mph winds for 3+ hours), not just how many inches of snow fall.
Advisory vs. Watch vs. Warning
- Winter Weather Advisory: Expect nuisance snow, sleet, or freezing drizzle that will make roads slick. Slow down and allow extra commute time.
- Winter Storm Watch: Heavy snow, sleet, or ice is possible within the next 24 to 48 hours. Buy groceries, check your car, and prepare your home now.
- Winter Storm Warning: Heavy snow or significant ice is occurring or imminent within 12 to 24 hours. Cancel non-essential travel.
- Ice Storm Warning: At least 0.25 inches (6 mm) of freezing rain accumulation is expected. Tree limbs and power lines frequently snap under this weight, and roads become impassable even for 4WD trucks.
- Blizzard Warning: Sustained winds or gusts of 35 mph (56 km/h) or higher with blowing snow reducing visibility under 1/4 mile for at least 3 hours. Do not drive—people become disoriented a few yards from their cars.
- Hard Freeze Warning: Temperatures will drop below 28°F (-2°C) for several hours, threatening uninsulated water pipes, crops, and outdoor pets.
What 'Wind Chill' ('Feels Like' temperature) actually means
Wind chill measures how fast wind strips heat away from exposed human skin. At 10°F (-12°C) with a 25 mph wind, the wind chill is -11°F (-24°C), and exposed skin on your face or fingers can develop frostbite in under 30 minutes.
Important rule for cars and pipes: Wind chill only affects living things (people and animals) and how fast warm objects cool down. Wind chill cannot cool a pipe or car radiator below the actual air temperature. If the actual air temperature is 35°F (2°C) with a 25°F wind chill, water will NOT freeze.
Related guides
- 48-hour storm approaching checklist: Step-by-step countdown when a watch or warning is issued.
- Find your local winter help page: Official road condition numbers and alert agencies for your state.