FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Here in the winter (or in the fall or spring), we can see a number of different weather alerts issued for hazardous snow, sleet, or freezing rain in our area. Let’s break down these winter weather alerts and analyze the criteria needed for the National Weather Service to issue them.
Late January freezing rain event not considered an ice storm
A Winter Storm Watch is typically issued one to three days in advance of significant winter weather. This could include heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain. This is when you want to start preparing for impacts to your daily life.
A Winter Storm Watch can be upgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory or this type of advisory can be issued on its own. A Winter Weather Advisory is issued about 24 hours in advance of hazardous wintry weather occurring. It takes forecasted snow amounts between three to five inches for this alert to be issued, although sometimes the weather service will alert for two to four inches of snow. If blowing snow reduces visibility to less than or equal to a quarter of a mile, a Winter Weather Advisory will be issued. Sleet accumulation less than a half an inch or ice accumulation less than a quarter of an inch will also prompt a Winter Weather Advisory. Ultimately, a combination of all of these factors can prompt this type of alert and it represents the lowest level of winter weather alert. Prepare for hazardous travel when this alert is issued.