Northern Indiana Watch, Warning and Advisory Criteria

BLIZZARD

Potential for Sustained wind or frequent gusts > 35 mph and visibility ¼ mi < in S/BS for > 3 hrs in the next 12 to 48 hours

WINTER STORM WATCH

Sustained wind /frequent gusts > 35 mph and visibility < ¼ mile in snow/blowing snow for > 3 hours

BLIZZARD WARNING

NOT ISSUED

BLOWING DUST

NOT ISSUED

NOT ISSUED

Widespread visibility < ¼ mile

FIRE

Potential for ten hour fuels <= 8%, sustained winds >= 20 mph for 3 hours or more, RH <= 25% for 3 hours or more

FIRE WEATHER WATCH

ten hour fuels <= 8%, sustained winds >= 20 mph for 3 hours or more, RH <= 25% for 3 hours or more

RED FLAG WARNING

NOT ISSUED

DENSE FOG

NOT ISSUED

NOT ISSUED

Widespread visibility < ¼ mile

FREEZE

Potential for Temperatures < 32°F or < 28°F  between May 1 and November 1.

FREEZE WATCH

Temperatures < 32°F or < 28°F    between May 1 and November 1.

FREEZE WARNING

NOT ISSUED

FROST

Address potential in the HWO and other notification methods.

NOT ISSUED

Formation of frost between May 1 and November 1. (Temperatures less than or equal to 36).

FROST ADVISORY

FREEZING RAIN

Potential for freezing rain with significant /damaging ice accumulations (usually ≥ ¼")

WINTER STORM WATCH

Ice accumulation ≥ ¼" on all surfaces

ICE STORM WARNING

Light ice accrual generally  < ¼" of an inch on all surfaces

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

FREEZING FOG

Address potential in HWO and other notification methods.

NOT ISSUED

Very light ice accumulation from freezing fog

EXTREME HEAT

HI > 105° F and the minimum heat index of at least 75° F for a 48 hour period.

Consider a HI warning if Heat advisory conditions are met for 4 consecutive days

HI around 100° F and/or
Max temperature  > 95° F

SLEET

Sleet ≥ ½" accumulation

WINTER STORM WATCH

Sleet Accumulation > ½"

WINTER STORM WARNING

Sleet Accumulation < ½"

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

SNOW

See Figure 1 below.

Michigan: Berrien County ≥ 8". 

Branch, Cass, Hillsdale, St. Joseph:  ≥ 7"

Indiana:  ≥ 6"

WINTER STORM WATCH

See Figure 1 below.

Michigan: Berrien County ≥ 8". 

Branch, Cass, Hillsdale, St. Joseph:  ≥ 7"

Indiana:  ≥ 6"

WINTER STORM WARNING

3 to 5 inches

2 to 4 inches (forecaster discretion)

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

WIND

Sustained non-convective wind > 40 mph
or > 1 hour and/or gusts > 58 mph

HIGH WIND WATCH

Sustained non-convective wind > 40 mph for > 1 hour and/or gusts > 58 mph

HIGH WIND WARNING

Sustained non-convective wind between 30 and 39 mph for > 1 hour and/or gusts between 45 - 57 mph

WIND ADVISORY

EXTREME COLD

Potential for Wind Chill ≤ -25° F

EXTREME COLD WATCH

Wind Chill < -25° F

EXTREME COLD WARNING

Wind Chill -15° F to -24° F

COLD WEATHER ADVISORY

WINTER STORM

Combination of Snow, Sleet and Freezing Rain Meeting Warning Criteria, and/or Blowing and Drifting Snow Approaching Blizzard Conditions; Mixed Precipitation (lesser amounts if mixed precipitation)

Wind Chill ≤ -25° F

WINTER STORM WATCH

Combination of any winter warning hazards, including significant blowing and drifting snow below blizzard conditions (lesser amounts may be warranted especially if significant mixed precipitation in an early or late season event)

 

WINTER STORM WARNING

WINTER WEATHER

Combination of any winter advisory hazards

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY