As winter weather sets in for Michigan, residents are sure to hear a number of unfamiliar weather terms, warnings and other information — some that could provide life-saving information if you understand what they mean.
A winter storm watch was in place Nov. 24, for the western Upper Peninsula with some places forecast to see as much as 12 inches of snow with 45 mph wind gusts. The watch is in effect for Keweenaw, Houghton, Baraga, Ontonagon and Gogebic counties. Heavy snow is forecast to fall between Tuesday night, Nov. 25, through Thursday morning, Nov. 27.
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility,” the National Weather Service said on Monday. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening (Nov. 25) and Wednesday morning (Nov. 26) commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.”
In addition, gale watches and small craft advisories are in effect for mariners, boaters and lakeside communities for all of the Great Lakes. Strong winds are expected to create dangerous waves this week — 14- to 22-foot waves are possible on northern Lake Huron.
As residents continue to be notified with weather updates, there are critical distinctions to make among warnings, watches and advisories.
The National Weather Service maintains a glossary to help people better understand its forecasts. Here’s what weather phrases and terms mean:
What is a winter storm warning?
A winter storm warning is issued when a storm is predicted to produce or is producing heavy snow or significant ice accumulations, the NWS said.
Warnings are issued when there is a potential threat to life or property from a weather event occurring or that has a high chance of occurring.
A warning requires the highest urgency from the public.
Michigan’s Michigan Prepares website says a winter storm warning is issued when dangerous winter weather, including heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet, is happening or very likely about to happen.
Winter storm warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
What does a winter storm watch mean?
A winter storm watch, calls for the potential for heavy snow or significant ice accumulations, usually at least 24 to 36 hours in advance, the weather service said.
Watches are issued when there is a 50% or greater chance of bad weather, and released to give people enough time to set safety plans in motion beforehand.
Michigan Prepares says a winter storm watch alerts the public that there is a chance for a blizzard, heavy snow or heavy sleet. Winter storm watches are issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a winter storm.
What does a winter weather advisory mean?
Winter weather advisory is issued when a system produces a combination of winter weather — snow, freezing rain, sleet or other — that presents a hazard. Advisories are issued when a hazardous event is occurring or has a high chance to occur, and will pose a significant inconvenience.
The NWS will issue a winter weather advisory based on snowfall in different regions:
What does a wind chill warning mean?
The NWS offices release wind chill warnings based on different criteria for each part of the state, but they generally are issued when the wind chill values are expected to be at or below the threshold for more than an hour.
What is a wind chill advisory?
Wind chill advisories are issued when wind chill values are forecast to be at or below the advisory level for more than an hour.
What does a special weather statement mean?
A special weather statement is an issue the public should be aware of regarding weather conditions that don’t quite meet warning or advisory criteria.
What is a gale warning?
The warning forecasts sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, in the range of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph), either predicted or occurring, and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone, the NWS glossary explains.
What is a gale watch?
A gale watch is tells mariners and lakeside communities that there is an increased risk of a gale force winds for sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph). The occurrence, location, and/or timing remains uncertain, though people have time to prepare.
What does a small craft advisory mean?
A small craft advisory is issued when there are expected sustained winds of 22 knots or frequent gusts of 25 knots or greater, or combined seas of 10 feet or more.
Small crafts include owners of small to medium sized motor and sail boats, affecting fisherman, para-sailors, windsurfers and canoe paddlers.
Meanings behind other weather terms you may come across
The Michigan Prepares website offers information on other winter weather terms people should understand.
How can I properly prepare for a winter storm?
According to the Michigan Prepares website, these are ways to get ahead on a potential winter storm that could require a shelter-in-place:
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: A winter storm watch is in effect. What does that mean?
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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