Weather Watch or Weather Warning?

A watch is intended to provide lead time for those who need to set their plans in motion. A watch means that hazardous weather is possible in and close to the watch area.

A warning means that weather conditions pose a threat to life or property; people in the path of the hazard need to take protective action.

These terms are used for Thunderstorms, Flashfloods, and Floods.

Winter Storms - Watches & Warnings:

• Winter Storm Watch – Conditions are favorable for hazardous winter weather conditions including heavy snow, blizzard conditions, significant accumulations of freezing rain or sleet, and dangerous wind chills. The watches are usually issued 12 to 36 hours in advance.
• Winter Storm Warning – Hazardous winter weather conditions that pose a threat to life and/or property are occurring, imminent, or likely. The term winter storm warning is used for a combination of two or more of the following winter weather events: heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and strong winds. The following event-specific warnings are issued for a single weather hazard: blizzard warning, heavy snow warning, ice storm warning.
• Snow Advisory – Snowfall roughly ½ the amount required for a winter storm warning.
• Blizzard warning – Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow are expected to prevail for three hours or longer.

Evacuation Terms :

• Exclusion Zone – An area established by the commander in charge of the disaster scene into which entry is temporarily forbidden due to extreme danger. Only official responder vehicles are allowed entry until the situation is deemed safe again for private vehic.
• Evacuation Advisory – An advisory is issued when there is reason to believe that the emergency will escalate and require mandatory evacuations. An advisory is meant to give residents as much time as possible to prepare transportation arrangements.
• Voluntary Evacuation – Is used when an area is going to be impacted and residents are willing and able to leave before the situation gets worse. This is helpful for residents with medical issues, people with pets, and those who will have difficultly making travel arrangements.
• Mandatory Evacuation – Public Safety officials have the authority to order mandatory evacuations. If this ever occurs, you MUST leave the area IMMEDIATELY, your life is in danger. Under these circumstances the situation is severe and you may not have time to gather special belongings or paperwork, every minute you delay could increase your danger. Please do not take this order lightly; it is for your safety. Remember to follow any instruction you receive from a law enforcement officer or fire official.