TULSA, Okla. — When a winter storm is coming to Green Country, the National Weather Service will issue alerts for our region.
The first alert will be a Watch if the impending weather is expected to have significant impacts. Usually issued around 48 hours ahead of the beginning of the event, a Watch means to be prepared and anticipate the weather at hand.
A Wind Chill Watch means dangerous feel-like temperatures are anticipated in the near future.
A Winter Storm Watch implies significant ice and/or snow is likely in the coming days.
When an Advisory is issued, lower-end impacts can be expected. However, it means that weather is imminent or happening.
For a Wind Chill Advisory in Green Country, the feel-like temperature must drop below -5 within the next 24 hours.
A Winter Weather Advisory means travel impacts due to snow or ice are imminent or happening. Snowfall up to 4″ and freezing rain accumulation up to 0.25″ will warrant this advisory being issued.
Warnings are more serious and mean major impacts to life, property and travel are likely.
A Wind Chill Warning is issued when the feel-like temperatures will dip to -20 degrees or below with at least a 10mph wind for at least 2 hours.
A Winter Storm Warning implies at least 4 inches of snowfall is expected.
An Ice Storm Warning is specifically for freezing rain whose icing will be greater than 0.25 inches on surfaces.
Finally, a Blizzard Warning is issued if winds are 35mph+ with snowfall reducing visibility to at least a ¼ mile for 3 hours or longer.
All watches, advisories and warnings deserve attention and action to stay safe and prepared for whatever Old Man Winter throws our way this season. Depending on mobility and cold air tolerance, the winter weather may require someone to shelter in place until the winter storm passes. Be sure to stay close to the FOX23 Weather App for all the latest watches, advisories and warnings issued for our area.
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