Healthy Food Delivery : Winter Storm Watch vs. Winter Storm Warning: What’s the Difference?

Tracking severe weather can sometimes feel like it requires a degree in meteorology. With complex scientific terms and technical jargon, it can be difficult to understand what it all means and what should be done to prepare. That’s when the difference between a winter storm watch and a winter storm warning matters.

Both alerts come from the National Weather Service, but they call for different levels of urgency. Here’s how the alerts work and what homeowners should do when they see one.

What Does a Winter Storm Watch Mean?

A winter storm watch means a significant winter storm is possible, but forecasters aren’t yet sure where or when it will hit or how severe it will be. According to the National Weather Service, watches often arrive a day or two before a storm and can cover heavy snow, sleet, or ice.

They give residents time to prepare, even though the storm may not reach their area. As the forecast becomes clearer, the National Weather Service may upgrade the watch to a warning, issue an advisory, or cancel it altogether.

What Does a Winter Storm Warning Mean?

A winter storm warning means dangerous winter weather is expected or already happening. Heavy snow, sleet, or ice could make travel unsafe and cause other problems, including power outages. The amount of snow or ice needed to trigger a warning varies by location.

“Each office knows the local area and will issue Warnings, Watches or Advisories based on local criteria,” according to the National Weather Service. “For example, the amount of snow that triggers a ‘Winter Storm Warning’ in the Northern Plains is typically much higher than the amount needed to trigger a ‘Winter Storm Warning’ in the Southeast.”

Warnings generally arrive closer to a storm’s arrival than watches, although forecasters can issue one before snow or ice begins falling.

What Does a Winter Weather Advisory Mean?

A winter weather advisory means snow, sleet, or ice is expected to cause problems, but forecasters don’t anticipate conditions severe enough for a warning. An advisory may signal slick roads or other travel disruptions. While the weather may be less severe than during a warning, residents should still take precautions and monitor local forecasts.

How Homeowners Can Prepare for Extreme Weather

A winter storm watch gives homeowners time to prepare before conditions worsen. That includes checking heating systems, protecting exposed pipes from freezing, and stocking up on food, medications, and other essentials.

“Your primary concerns at home or work during a winter storm are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day,” according to the National Weather Service.

Homeowners should have flashlights, spare batteries, and a charged phone in case the power goes out. Checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, locating snow shovels, and stocking up on ice melt can also help.

Once a warning takes effect, homeowners should finish their preparations and avoid unnecessary travel. Staying indoors is generally safest during severe winter weather.

If the power goes out, residents can close off unused rooms and wear extra layers to stay warm. Portable generators should always remain outdoors, away from windows and doors. Grills and ovens should never serve as heating sources because they can create serious safety hazards.

Residents should continue monitoring weather alerts throughout the storm. Once conditions improve, homeowners can check for damage and begin clearing snow and ice from walkways and driveways.