Alabama Winter Weather Awareness Week- Do You Know What Each Winter Weather Alert Means?

During the winter months, a variety of winter weather alerts may be issued for various winter weather hazards. These include winter storm watches, winter storm warnings, winter weather advisories, extreme cold watch/warning, and extreme cold advisories.

When it comes to winter precipitation (snow, sleet, freezing rain), there are 3 alerts that could be issued. A winter storm watch means that heavy winter precipitation is possible, and could cause significant disruptions to travel. A winter storm warning means that heavy winter precipitation is expected or ongoing, and travel will become dangerous. A winter weather advisory means that winter precipitation is expected, but typically will only result in minor disruptions and more so an inconvenience. In the image below, the NWS Birmingham describes the specific criteria required for each alert to be issued.

When extreme cold is expected, the NWS can also issue 3 levels of alerts for this. They include an extreme cold watch, warning, and advisory. An extreme cold watch is issued when dangerous and extreme cold temperatures are possible. An extreme cold warning means extreme and dangerous cold temperatues are expected or ongoing. And an advisory means that very cold temperatues are expected, but may not reach extreme levels. In the graphic below, the NWS in Birmingham describes the criteria for each cold weather alert:

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