Severe winter weather comes in many forms in Wisconsin, from extreme cold, to freezing rain, snow and wind. For each type of weather, a different alert may be issued by the National Weather Service. Here are the main products released during the winter months.

Winter Weather Advisory

Advisories are issued for winter events expected to cause an inconvenience, but are not as severe as warnings. They are often issued for 3 to 5 inches of snow which could include blowing and drifting snow as well.

It also isn’t uncommon to see winter weather advisories issued for weaker early season snowfalls, when drivers may not be accustom to the slick roads.

Winter Storm Watch

This is a planning stage. Watches are often issued 1 to 3 days before a storm system actual arrives. They are released when the computer models show the potential for a severe winter storm.

Winter Storm Warning

Winter Storm Warnings are issued when a dangerous winter storm is occurring or is expected shortly. Criteria includes snowfall of more than 6 inches in a 12 hour period. Winds can also lead to significant blowing and drifting snow, and travel is not encouraged.

Blizzard Warning

A Blizzard Warning is arguably the most extreme winter weather event. The difference between a winter storm warning and a blizzard warning comes down to wind speed. High snowfall amounts are still possible, but winds gusting to 35 mph or stronger can produce white out conditions. In fact, visibilities become limited to ¼ mile or less. These storms also last 3 hours or longer.

The last time Green Bay witnessed a blizzard was Winter Storm Christine which dropped more than 10 inches of snow in February of 2006.

Ice Storm Warning

Ice Storm Warnings can be just as difficult to drive in as a blizzard. These alerts are issued when freezing rain will produce icy roads. Freezing rain occurs when rain falls and freezes at the surface. In ice storm warnings, a coating of ice is expected to reach a quarter of an inch thick.

Wind Chill Warning

This may be one of the last things you want to witness. Wind Chill Warnings are issued when wind chills are forecasted to be -35 or lower with wind speeds of 10 mph or more. Meanwhile, a Wind Chill Advisory is issued for values between -30 and -34.

Until Next Time,

Meteorologist Andrew Thut