Explanation of terms 

The NWS uses what they call a "multi-tier" concept for forecasting hazardous weather.  The products that they issue range from outlooks (for longer time periods) to advisories and warnings (for immediate threats).

An OUTLOOK is issued to indicate that a hazardous weather event may develop. It is useful for those who need considerable lead time to prepare for an event. Lead time can vary from 1 day for severe weather events to a month or more for spring flooding events.

A WATCH  is issued when the risk of hazardous weather has increased significantly but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain.  It is intended to provide  adequate lead time to those people who will be affected so that they may start to prepare for the event.

• Severe thunderstorm and tornado watches are usually issued 45 minutes before the event.
• Flood/flash flood watches are usually issued 3 to 24 hours in advance of the event.
• Hurricane, river flood, and winter storm watches, can be issued as much as 12 to 36 hours in advance.

A WARNING is issued when hazardous weather is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. It is used for conditions that pose a threat to life or property. Warnings are issued based on eyewitness reports, or clear identification from radar and/or satellite.

• The lead-time for warnings for severe thunderstorm and tornado events is generally 30 minutes or less.
• Lead-time for hurricanes, river floods, and winter storms can be 6 to 18 hours.

An ADVISORY is issued for weather that is expected to be an inconvenience and a disruption to one's normal routine. It is not expected to be life-threatening. For example, advisories are issued for 1 to 3 inches of snow, dense fog, minor street flooding, etc. The issuance time frame is similar to that of a warning.

A STATEMENT  is used to update current weather situations or to highlight an impending weather event. Statements are also used to explain why watches, advisories, or warnings have been issued.

A SHORT TERM FORECAST or NOWCAST (NOW) is used to convey information regarding weather events in the next few (generally 1-6) hours.  During active weather, they may be issued hourly.

Products

We have grouped the NWS products into the categories below to help you choose which ones you want to receive through StormPager.  Just click on the category for a full description.

Flood/Flash Flood Products
Marine Products
Non precipitation products
Public Weather Products
Severe Weather / Tornado Products
Tropical Cyclone(Hurricane) Products
Winter Weather Products

Safety and Preparedness Information

Do you know what to do when a watch, warning or advisory is issued?

Click on the links below so you will know what actions to take when the NWS  issues a(n):

Excessive Heat Watch
Flood/Flash Flood Watch
Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning
Dense Fog Advisory
High Wind Watch
High Wind Warning
High Wind Advisory
Hurricane Watch
Hurricane Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Tornado Watch
Tornado Warning
Tropical Storm Watch
Tropical Storm Warning
Winter Storm Warning
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Advisory

More information on Severe Weather

This section is currently under construction!

Thunderstorms
Lightning
Tornadoes
Winter Storms
Floods/Flash Floods
Hurricanes
Fog
Sports and Weather