All National Weather Service alert types
Every alert type we track, with a live map and list for each. Warnings mean act now, watches mean be prepared, and advisories mean use caution.
Warnings
- Tornado WarningA tornado has been seen or detected by radar, and the people inside the warning area should take shelter now.
- Flash Flood WarningFlash flooding is happening or about to happen. Move to higher ground and never drive through flooded roads.
- Hurricane WarningHurricane-force winds of 74 mph or more are expected within about 36 hours.
- Storm Surge WarningLife-threatening flooding from rising seawater is expected within about 36 hours.
- Severe Thunderstorm WarningA thunderstorm is producing, or is about to produce, hail one inch or larger or wind gusts of 58 mph or more.
- Winter Storm WarningHeavy snow, sleet or ice is expected that will make travel very dangerous or impossible.
- Snow Squall WarningA short, intense burst of snow and wind will cause sudden whiteouts and icy roads.
- Blizzard WarningStrong winds and snow will cut visibility to near zero for hours. Travel will be extremely dangerous.
- Ice Storm WarningFreezing rain will coat roads, trees and power lines with damaging ice.
- Tropical Storm WarningTropical-storm-force winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected within about 36 hours.
- Lake Effect Snow WarningIntense lake-effect snow bands will produce heavy snow and very poor visibility near the Great Lakes.
- Extreme Cold WarningDangerously cold temperatures or wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in minutes.
- Flood WarningFlooding is happening or expected soon, often along rivers or over wide areas, and may last for days.
- Extreme Heat WarningDangerous, potentially deadly heat is expected. Stay cool and check on vulnerable people.
- High Wind WarningDamaging winds are expected, commonly sustained near 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or higher.
- Dust Storm WarningBlowing dust will reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less.
- Red Flag WarningWarm temperatures, very low humidity and strong winds will allow any fire to spread rapidly.
- Freeze WarningTemperatures will drop to 32°F or below, which can kill sensitive plants and damage outdoor pipes.
- Coastal Flood WarningCoastal flooding from high tides and onshore winds will cause damage and threaten lives.
Watches
- Tornado WatchConditions are favorable for tornadoes to form in and near the watch area over the next several hours.
- Severe Thunderstorm WatchConditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds over the next several hours.
- Hurricane WatchHurricane conditions are possible within about 48 hours.
- Flood WatchHeavy rain or snowmelt could cause flooding or flash flooding. Be ready to act if a warning is issued.
- Winter Storm WatchA significant winter storm with heavy snow, sleet or ice is possible in the next one to two days.
- Tropical Storm WatchTropical-storm-force winds are possible within about 48 hours.
- Extreme Cold WatchDangerously cold temperatures or wind chills are possible in the next day or two.
- Fire Weather WatchCritical fire weather conditions are possible in the next one to three days.
- Extreme Heat WatchDangerous heat is possible in the next few days.
- High Wind WatchDamaging winds are possible in the next day or two.
- Freeze WatchSubfreezing temperatures are possible in the next day or two during the growing season.
Advisories
- Heat AdvisoryHot and humid conditions will raise the heat index enough to cause heat illness for people without cooling.
- Winter Weather AdvisorySnow, sleet or freezing rain will make roads slippery and cause travel delays, but stay below warning levels.
- Cold Weather AdvisoryVery cold temperatures or wind chills could cause frostbite with prolonged exposure.
- Frost AdvisoryLows in the mid 30s will allow frost to form and may harm sensitive plants.
- Wind AdvisoryGusty winds will make driving difficult and may blow around loose objects and down tree limbs.
- Flood AdvisoryMinor flooding is expected that is an inconvenience but not usually life threatening.
- Dense Fog AdvisoryFog will reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less, making driving hazardous.
- Coastal Flood AdvisoryMinor flooding of low-lying coastal areas is expected around high tide.