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National Weather Service Reference Guide
National Weather Service Reference Guide Purpose of this Document he National Weather Service (NWS) provides many products and services which can be T used by other governmental agencies, Tribal Nations, the private sector, the public and the global community. The data and services provided by the NWS are designed to fulfill us- ers’ needs and provide valuable information in the areas of weather, hydrology and climate. In addition, the NWS has numerous partnerships with private and other government entities. These partnerships help facilitate the mission of the NWS, which is to protect life and prop- erty and enhance the national economy. This document is intended to serve as a reference guide and information manual of the products and services provided by the NWS on a na- tional basis. Editor’s note: Throughout this document, the term ―county‖ will be used to represent counties, parishes, and boroughs. Similarly, ―county warning area‖ will be used to represent the area of responsibility of all of- fices. The local forecast office at Buffalo, New York, January, 1899. The local National Weather Service Office in Tallahassee, FL, present day. 2 Table of Contents Click on description to go directly to the page. 1. What is the National Weather Service?…………………….………………………. 5 Mission Statement 6 Organizational Structure 7 County Warning Areas 8 Weather Forecast Office Staff 10 River Forecast Center Staff 13 NWS Directive System 14 2. Non-Routine Products and Services (watch/warning/advisory descriptions)..…….. 15 Convective Weather 16 Tropical Weather 17 Winter Weather 18 Hydrology 19 Coastal Flood 20 Marine Weather 21 Non-Precipitation 23 Fire Weather 24 Other 25 Statements 25 Other Non-Routine Products 26 Extreme Weather Wording 27 Verification and Performance Goals 28 Impact-Based Decision Support Services 30 Requesting a Spot Fire Weather Forecast 33 Hazardous Materials Emergency Support 34 Interactive Warning Team 37 HazCollect 38 Damage Surveys 40 Storm Data 44 Information Requests 46 3. -
* Corresponding Author Address: Mark A. Tew, National Weather Service, 1325 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; E-Mail: [email protected]
P1.13 IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEW WIND CHILL TEMPERATURE INDEX BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Mark A. Tew*1, G. Battel2, C. A. Nelson3 1National Weather Service, Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services, Silver Spring, MD 2Science Application International Corporation, under contract with National Weather Service, Silver Spring, MD 3Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, Silver Spring, MD 1. INTRODUCTION group is called the Joint Action Group for Temperature Indices (JAG/TI) and is chaired by the NWS. The goal of The Wind Chill Temperature (WCT) is a term used to JAG/TI is to internationally upgrade and standardize the describe the rate of heat loss from the human body due to index for temperature extremes (e.g., Wind Chill Index). the combined effect of wind and low ambient air Standardization of the WCT Index among the temperature. The WCT represents the temperature the meteorological community is important, so that an body feels when it is exposed to the wind and cold. accurate and consistent measure is provided and public Prolonged exposure to low wind chill values can lead to safety is ensured. frostbite and hypothermia. The mission of the National After three workshops, the JAG/TI reached agreement Weather Service (NWS) is to provide forecast and on the development of the new WCT index, discussed a warnings for the protection of life and property, which process for scientific verification of the new formula, and includes the danger associated from extremely cold wind generated implementation plans (Nelson et al. 2001). chill temperatures. JAG/TI agreed to have two recognized wind chill experts, The NWS (1992) and the Meteorological Service of Mr. -
SKYWARN Detailed Documentation
SKYWARN Detailed Documentation NWS Terminology Convective Outlook Categories Risk Description 0 - Delineates, to the right of a line, where a 10% or greater probability of General thunderstorms is forecast during the valid period. 1 - An area of severe storms of either limited organization and longevity, or very low Marginal coverage and marginal intensity. An area of organized severe storms, which is not widespread in coverage with 2 - Slight varying levels of intensity. 3 - An area of greater (relative to Slight risk) severe storm coverage with varying Enhanced levels of intensity. An area where widespread severe weather with several tornadoes and/or numerous 4 - severe thunderstorms is likely, some of which should be intense. This risk is Moderate usually reserved for days with several supercells producing intense tornadoes and/or very large hail, or an intense squall line with widespread damaging winds. An area where a severe weather outbreak is expected from either numerous intense and long-tracked tornadoes or a long-lived derecho-producing thunderstorm complex that produces hurricane-force wind gusts and widespread damage. This 5 - High risk is reserved for when high confidence exists in widespread coverage of severe weather with embedded instances of extreme severe (i.e., violent tornadoes or very damaging convective wind events). Hazardous Weather Risks Risk Description An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent, or likely. Advisories are for "less serious" conditions than warnings that may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised could lead to Advisory situations that may threaten life or property. The National Weather Service may activate weather spotters in areas affected by advisories to help them better track and analyze the event. -
Driving in the Winter Factsheet
Driving in the Winter FactSheet HS04-010B (9-07) Even in Texas the onset of winter can bring severe • Winter Storm Watch winter weather conditions. Employers and employees alerts the public to the who drive for a living need to be aware of how to possibility of a blizzard, drive in winter weather. The leading cause of death heavy snow, freezing rain, during a winter storm is driving accidents and multiple or heavy sleet. vehicle accidents are more likely in severe winter weather conditions. Employers and employees can • Winter Storm Warning is take steps to increase safety while driving in winter issued when a combination of heavy snow, heavy weather. freezing rain, or heavy sleet is expected. • Plan ahead and allow plenty of time for travel. • Winter Weather Advisories are issued when An employer should maintain information on its accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing employees’ driving destinations, driving routes, drizzle, and sleet may cause significant and estimated time of arrivals. Drivers should inconvenience and moderately dangerous be patient while driving, because trip time can conditions. increase in winter weather. • Snow is frozen precipitation formed when • Winterize vehicles before traveling in winter temperatures are below freezing in most of the weather. Before driving have a mechanic atmosphere from the earth’s surface to cloud check the following items on vehicles: battery; level. antifreeze; wipers and windshield washer fluid; ignition system; thermostat; lights; flashing • Sleet, also know as ice pellets, is formed when hazard lights; exhaust system; heater; brakes; precipitation or raindrops freeze before hitting defroster; tires (check for adequate tread); and the ground. -
Warning Uses Definition of Terms
Warning Uses Convective Weather Flooding Winter Weather Non-Precipitation Tornado Watch Flash Flood Watch Blizzard Warning Tornado Warning Flash Flood Warning Winter Storm Watch Severe Thunderstorm Watch Flood Watch Winter Storm Warning High Wind Warning Severe Thunderstorm Warning Flood Warning Snow Advisory Small Stream Flood Freezing Rain Advisory High Wind Advisory Advisory Ice Storm Warning Winter Weather Advisory Definition of Terms Term Definition Winter Weather There is a good chance of a major winter storm developing in the next several days. Outlook Winter Storm Watch There is a greater than 50% chance of a major winter storm in the next several days Winter Storm Any combination of winter weather including snow, sleet, or blowing snow. The Warning snow amount must meet a minimum accumulation amount which varies by location. Blizzard Warning Falling and/or blowing snow frequently reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile AND sustained winds or frequent gusts greater than 35 mph will last for at least 3 hours. Ice Storm Warning Freezing rain/drizzle is occurring with a significant accumulation of ice (more than 1/4 inch) or accumulation of 1/2 inch of sleet. Wind Chill Warning Wind chill temperature less than or equal to -20 and wind greater than or equal to 10 mph. Winter Weather Any combination of winter weather such as snow, blowing snow, sleet, etc. where Advisory the snow amount is a hazard but does not meet Winter Storm Warning criteria above. Freezing Light freezing rain or drizzle with little accumulation. Rain/Drizzle Advisory . -
National Weather Service Reference Guide
National Weather Service Reference Guide Purpose of this Document he National Weather Service (NWS) provides many products and services which can be T used by other governmental agencies, Tribal Nations, the private sector, the public and the global community. The data and services provided by the NWS are designed to fulfill us- ers’ needs and provide valuable information in the areas of weather, hydrology and climate. In addition, the NWS has numerous partnerships with private and other government entities. These partnerships help facilitate the mission of the NWS, which is to protect life and prop- erty and enhance the national economy. This document is intended to serve as a reference guide and information manual of the products and services provided by the NWS on a na- tional basis. Editor’s note: Throughout this document, the term ―county‖ will be used to represent counties, parishes, and boroughs. Similarly, ―county warning area‖ will be used to represent the area of responsibility of all of- fices. The local forecast office at Buffalo, New York, January, 1899. The local National Weather Service Office in Tallahassee, FL, present day. 2 Table of Contents Click on description to go directly to the page. 1. What is the National Weather Service?…………………….………………………. 5 Mission Statement 6 Organizational Structure 7 County Warning Areas 8 Weather Forecast Office Staff 10 River Forecast Center Staff 13 NWS Directive System 14 2. Non-Routine Products and Services (watch/warning/advisory descriptions)..…….. 15 Convective Weather 16 Tropical Weather 17 Winter Weather 18 Hydrology 19 Coastal Flood 20 Marine Weather 21 Non-Precipitation 23 Fire Weather 24 Other 25 Statements 25 Other Non-Routine Products 26 Extreme Weather Wording 27 Verification and Performance Goals 28 Impact-Based Decision Support Services 30 Requesting a Spot Fire Weather Forecast 33 Hazardous Materials Emergency Support 34 Interactive Warning Team 37 HazCollect 38 Damage Surveys 40 Storm Data 44 Information Requests 46 3. -
NWSI 10-1701, “Text Product Formats and Codes,” Dated March 29, 2018
Department of Commerce • National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration • National Weather Service NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INSTRUCTION 10-1701 OCTOBER 29, 2019 Operations and Services Dissemination Services NWSPD 10-17 TEXT PRODUCT FORMATS AND CODES NOTICE: This publication is available at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/directives/. OPR: DIS (A. Hardy) Certified by: W/DIS (M. Mainelli-McInerny) Type of Issuance: Routine SUMMARY OF REVISIONS: This directive supersedes NWSI 10-1701, “Text Product Formats and Codes,” dated March 29, 2018. Changes were made to reflect the addition of Section 8 – 11 to address actions to take when inadvertent messages are sent by NWS or by a third party. Content changes were made to: 1. Throughout the document, updated titles and sections for formatting, section reference numbers and web links to correct sites. 2. Add Section 8, Recommended Actions to Take Following the Inadvertent NWS Dissemination of Messages by NWS Offices. 3. Add Section 9, Steps to Take After a Correctly-Formatted NWS Message is Incorrectly Disseminated by a Third Party 4. Add Section 10, Steps to Take for Messaging After an Inadvertent Dissemination of Test Alerts by a Third Party 5. Add Section 11, Role of NWS Rapid Response Team 6. Updated Appendix B, Section 2.3 to rewrite message example in mixed case. /signed/ 10/15/19____ Michelle Mainelli-McInerney Date Director, Office of Dissemination NWSI 10-1701 OCTOBER 29, 2019 Text Product Formats and Codes – Table of Contents Page 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 4 1.1 Mission Connection ...........................................................................................................5 1.2 Text Products in Languages Other Than English ............................................................. 5 1.3 Format of Text Examples ..................................................................................................5 2. -
KJAX 2018 Product Criteria.Xlsx
Product Criteria Coastal Products Coastal Flood Statement Used to describe coastal hazards that do not meet advisory, warning or watch criteria such as minor beach erosion & elevated (Action) water levels. Coastal Flood Advisory Highlight minor flooding like tidal overflow that is imminent or possible within 12 Hours& if confidence is high (equal to or greater than 50%), then may extend or set to begin within 24 hrs. Coastal Flood Watch Significant coastal flooding is possible. This includes Moderate and Major flooding in the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) product. Coastal Flood Warning Significant coastal flooding is occurring, imminent or highly likely. This includes Moderate and Major flooding in AHPS. High Surf Advisory Breaker heights ≥ 7 Feet Rip Current Statement When a high risk of rip currents is expected Marine Products Small Craft Exercise Caution Winds 15-20 knots and/or seas 6 Feet Small Craft Advisory Winds 20-33 knots and/or seas ≥ 7 Feet Small Craft Advisory (seas only) Winds< 20 knots & seas ≥ 7 Feet (usually with a swell) Gale Watch Wind speed 34-47 knots or frequent gusts 34-47 knots Gale Warning Wind speed 34-47 knots or frequent gusts 34-47 knots Storm Watch Wind speed 48-63 knots or gusts of 48-63 knots Storm Warning Wind speed 48-63 knots or gusts of 48-63 knots Marine Dense Fog Advisory Widespread visibility < 1 nautical mile in fog Marine Dense Smoke Advisory Widespread visibility < 1 nautical mile in smoke Marine Weather Statement Update or cancel at Special Marine Warning (SMW), a statement on non-severe showers & thunderstorms, short-lived wind/sea increase that could be dangerous for small boats, significant conditions prevailing for 2+ Hours that could impact marine operations including: rough seas near inlets/passes, dense fog, low water events, HAZMAT spills, rapidly increasing/decreasing or shifting winds, or details on potential water landings. -
Winter Weather Preparation
Upshur County Office of Emergency Management Winter Weather Preparation Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold To Prepare For A Winter Storm You Should Add The Following Supplies To Your Emergency Kit: • Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways • Sand to improve traction • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment • Sufficient heating fuel - You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove. • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm • Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency. • Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). Be alert to changing weather conditions. Upshur County Residents can receive free Weather Alerts by signing up for NIXLE at http://www.NIXLE.com and entering your zip code. • Minimize travel - If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle. • Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water. Winterize Your Vehicle Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car: • Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing. • Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean. -
WINTER WEATHER TOOLKIT a Planning Toolkit for Public Health and Emergency Response Professionals
WINTER WEATHER TOOLKIT A planning toolkit for public health and emergency response professionals BUILDING RESILIENCE AGAINST CLIMATE EFFECTS PROGRAM Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate | OCTOBER 2016 | [email protected] State of Wisconsin | Department of Health Services | Division of Public Health | P-00652 (Rev. 10/2016) 1 CONTENTS Introduction Definitions Guides Guide 1: Winter Weather Alerts Guide 2: Cold-Related Health Effects Guide 3: Winter Weather Preparation Guide 4: Indoor Safety Guide 5: Power Outages Guide 6: Populations Vulnerable to Winter Weather: What You Can Do to Help Guide 7: Outdoor Safety Guide 8: Travel in a Winter Storm Guide 9: Talking Points for Winter Weather-Related Fatality Guide 10: Message Maps about Winter Weather-Related Safety Appendices Appendix A: References Appendix B: Additional Resources ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Winter Weather Toolkit was made possible through funding from cooperative agreement 5UE1/EH001043-02 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the commitment of many individuals at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health (BEOH), who contributed their valuable time and knowledge to its development. Special thanks to: Jeff Phillips, RS, Director of the Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, DHS Megan Christenson, MS, MPH, Epidemiologist, DHS Stephanie Krueger, Public Health Associate, CDC Eleanor Ganz, BRACE LTE, DHS For more information, please contact: Colleen Moran, MS, MPH Climate and Health Program Manager Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health 1 W. Wilson St., Room 150 | Madison, WI 53703 [email protected] 608-266-6761 2 INTRODUCTION Purpose The purpose of this winter weather toolkit is to provide information to local governments, health departments, and citizens in Wisconsin about preparing for and responding to winter weather events. -
Winter Weather Definitions and Terms
Definitions of Winter Weather Terms used by the National Weather Service As winter approaches, you should understand winter weather terms and be aware of winter weather hazards. The National Weather Service uses several terms to tell you exactly what kind of weather to expect, please review the terms below to familiarize yourself with them. 1) WINTER STORM OUTLOOK This is a statement issued when there is a chance of a major winter storms from 3 to 5 days in the future. This is meant to assist people with their long range plans. However, since the outlook is issued so far in advance, the accuracy of the prediction may be limited. 2) WINTER STORM WATCH This means there may be hazardous winter weather due to various elements such as heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. In our region, heavy snow means 7 inches or more of accumulation in 24 hours or less. A "WATCH" is a long range prediction. They are issued at least 12 hours before the hazardous winter weather is expected to begin. When the storm becomes imminent, or has a high probability of occurring, the watch will be upgraded to a "WARNING". 3) WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW Seven inches or more of snow will fall within a 24 hour period. 4) WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SEVERE ICING Heavy accumulation of ice due to freezing rain will down trees and power lines. Electricity, or telephone communications, may be out for a long period of time. Roads may become impassable for most vehicles. 5) BLIZZARD WARNING This is issued for a combination of strong winds averaging or frequently gusting to, or above, 35 miles an hour and very low visibility due to blowing or falling snow. -
Weather Products
Forecast Products The Zone Forecast Product highlights the expected sky condition, type and probability of precipitation, visibility restrictions, and temperature Zone affecting individual counties for each 12-hour period out through 7 days. Forecast ZFP Wind direction and speed are also included in the forecast out to 60 hours. WFO Paducah issues the zone forecast by 4 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. under the Product header ZFPPAH. This forecast is updated as needed to meet changing weather conditions. Refer to Appendix A for a guide to ZFP terminology. WFO Paducah provides detailed digital forecast data via the Area/Point Forecast Matrices. These products display forecast weather parameters in 3, 6, and 12-hour intervals through 7 days. Incorporated into a matrix format, this product creates a highly detailed forecast, allowing for an at-a- Area/Point AFM glance view of a large number of forecast elements. The AFM contains Forecast forecasts for each county within the WFO Paducah forecast area, while PFM the PFM shows forecasts for specific cities. WFO Paducah issues the Matrices Area/Point Forecast Matrices by 4 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. under the respective headers of AFMPAH and PFMPAH. These products are updated every 3 hours and as needed to meet changing weather conditions. Refer to Appendix B for a detailed guide to interpreting the AFM and PFM. WFO Paducah issues the Area Forecast Discussion twice daily by 4 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. under the header AFDPAH. This product provides scientific Area insight into the thought process of the forecast team at Paducah.