Media Distribution
Hazardous weather forecasts and alerts are provided to the public using the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards system and through news media such as television and radio. Many local TV stations have overlay graphics which will either show a map or a list of the affected areas. The most common NWS weather alerts to be broadcast over NWR using SAME technology are described in the following table:
| Tornado Watch (TOA) | Also known as a red box. Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms producing tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Watches are usually in effect for several hours, with 6 hours being the most common (also automatically indicates a Severe Thunderstorm Watch). |
| Tornado Warning (TOR) | Tornado is indicated by radar or sighted by storm spotters. The warning will include where the tornado is and what towns will be in its path (also automatically indicates a Severe Thunderstorm Warning). |
| Severe Thunderstorm Watch (SVA) | Also known as a yellow box or blue box. Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Watches are usually in effect for several hours, with 6 hours being the most common. |
| Severe Thunderstorm Warning (SVR) | Issued when a thunderstorm produces hail 1 inch (27 mm) or larger in diameter and/or winds which equal or exceed 58 mph (93 km/h). Severe thunderstorms can result in the loss of life and/or property. Information in this warning includes: where the storm is, what towns will be affected, and the primary threat associated with the storm. Tornadoes can also and do develop in severe thunderstorms without the issuance of a tornado warning. |
| Severe Weather Statement (SVS) | Issued when the forecaster wants to follow up a warning with important information on the progress of severe weather elements. |
| Special Marine Warning (SMW) | Issued when a thunderstorm over water produces hail 1 inch (27 mm) or larger in diameter, causes winds which equal or exceed 39 mph (63 km/h), or is capable of producing or currently producing a waterspout. Information in this warning includes: where the storm is, what waters will be affected, and the primary threat associated with the storm. |
| Flood Watch (FLA) | Issued as either a Flood Watch or a River Flood Watch. Indicates that flooding is possible in and close to the watch area. Those in the affected area are urged to be ready to take action if a flood warning is issued or flooding is observed. |
| Flood Warning (FLW) | Issued as either a Flood Warning or a River Flood Warning. Indicates that flooding is imminent or occurring in the warned area. |
| Flash Flood Watch (FFA) | Also known as a green box. Indicates that flash flooding is possible in and close to the watch area. Those in the affected area are urged to be ready to take quick action if a flash flood warning is issued or flooding is observed. |
| Flash Flood Warning (FFW) | Signifies a dangerous situation where rapid flooding of small rivers, streams, creaks, or urban areas are imminent or already occurring. Very heavy rain that falls in a short time period can lead to flash flooding, depending on local terrain, ground cover, degree of urbanization, degree of man-made changes to river banks, and initial ground or river conditions. |
| Blizzard Watch (BZA) | An announcement for specific areas that blizzard conditions are possible. |
| Blizzard Warning (BZW) | A warning that sustained winds or frequent gusts 30 kt (35 mph or 56 km/h) or higher and considerable falling and/or blowing snow reducing visibilities to 1/4 mile or less are expected in a specified area. A blizzard warning can remain in effect when snowfall ends but a combination of strong winds and blowing snow continue, even though the winter storm itself may have exited the region. (also automatically indicates a Winter Storm Warning for Heavy Snow and Blowing Snow) |
| Tropical Storm Watch (TRA) | An announcement for specific areas that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours. |
| Tropical Storm Warning (TRW) | A warning that sustained winds within the range of 34 to 63 kn (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 117 km/h) associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in a specified area within 36 hours or less. |
| Hurricane Watch (HUA) | An announcement for specific areas that hurricane conditions are possible, and tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours. |
| Hurricane Warning (HUW) | A warning that sustained winds 64 kt (74 mph or 118 km/h) or higher associated with a hurricane are expected, and tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours in a specified area. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force. (also automatically indicates a Tropical Storm Warning) |
Read more about this topic: Severe Weather Terminology (United States)
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