A significant winter storm may affect your area, but its occurrence, location and timing are still uncertain. A winter storm watch is issued to provide 12 to 36 hours notice of the possibility of severe winter weather. A watch will often be issued when neither the path of a developing winter storm nor the consequences of the weather event are as yet well defined. Ideally, the winter storm watch will eventually be upgraded to a warning when the nature and location of the developing weather event becomes more apparent. A winter storm watch is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set plans in motion can do so.

Alerts the public of the possible occurrence of blizzard conditions, heavy snow, freezing rain or heavy sleet. Watches are usually issued 12 to 36 hours before the beginning of the winter storm event.

Severe winter conditions, such as accumulations of heavy snow and/or ice of 4" or more possible within the next 36-48 hours.