Powerful Pacific Storm to Continue Impacting Northern California; Heavy Snow in the Appalachians and Portions of the Northeast

A strong atmospheric river will continue to impact northern California with heavy rain and life-threatening flooding through Friday. Unsettled weather is expected across much of the Northeast and Great Lakes over the next few days, including the likelihood of heavy snow in the central Appalachians and higher elevations of northeastern Pennsylvania and southern New York. Read More >

Getting The Word | Climatology | Winter Storms | Definitions

The National Weather Service uses the following definitions when describing winter weather:

An advance statement that severe winter weather conditions are possible within the next day or two.

An urgent statement that severe winter weather conditions have begun or will begin within about 12 hours.

Advisory

A statement that winter weather conditions are imminent or occurring. These conditions will cause significant inconvenience, and may become hazardous or life-threatening if safety tips are not followed.

Heavy Snow

Snowfall which accumulates to a depth of at least 4 inches in 12 hours or 6 inches in 24 hours.

Sleet

Pellets of ice composed of frozen or mostly frozen raindrops, or snowflakes which have melted and refrozen.

Freezing Rain/Freezing Drizzle

Rain or drizzle which falls as liquid then freezes when it strikes the ground or other surface.

Frost

The formation of thin ice crystals on the ground or other surfaces.

Wind Chill

A cooling effect caused when wind blows across exposed skin.

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Powerful Pacific Storm to Continue Impacting Northern California; Heavy Snow in the Appalachians and Portions of the Northeast

NWS Ft. Worth