Winter Storm Warning Posted – The Difference Between a Storm Warning and a Storm Watch

The National Weather Service often posts warnings and watches about upcoming weather events to alert the public about the potential danger of the event.  WUPE will always inform listeners about the issued postings by the NWS but many of us do not know exactly what these watches and warnings mean.  Below is an explanation from the mass.gov website.

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Winter Storm Watches 

It is likely that winter storm warning, blizzard warning, or ice storm warning criteria will be met due to the conditions of an upcoming storm.

Winter Storm Warning 

6” of snow or more in a 12-hour period (or 8” of snow or more in a 24-hour period) expected within next 12 to 36 hours.

• Blizzard Warning — Sustained wind gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph AND considerable falling and/or blowing snow, resulting in reduced visibility of less than 1/4 mile for at least three hours.
• Ice Storm Warning — ½ inch or more of freezing rain.

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