Communicating Hazards and Impacts
Click on each day for more information:
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Your National Weather Service Forecast Offices in Bismarck and Grand Forks provide forecast and warning services for the state of North Dakota.​
The National Weather Service communicates the potential for severe winter weather using three tiers, first in the Hazardous Weather Outlook, followed by a Watch and then an Advisory or Warning.
Product Type
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Description
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When Issued
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Hazardous Weather Outlook
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Designed to outline anticipated weather hazards for the next seven days and provide the first heads up to any possible severe winter weather.
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At least twice per day |
Watch |
Issued when the confidence level for severe winter weather is at least 50% (uncertainty remains in exact timing and location of the storm). |
Normally issued 36-48 hours prior to the event |
Warning |
Issued when there is a direct threat to life and property from severe winter weather that has a high probability of occurrence (80% or higher), or is imminent or occurring. |
Normally issued 12-24 hours prior to the event |
Advisory |
Issued for winter weather conditions that have a high probabilty of occurrence, are imminent or already occurring, that may cause an inconvenience. If precautions are NOT taken, a situation may develop that may threaten life. |
Normally issued 12-24 hours prior to the event |
Product Type
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Description
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Blizzard Warning |
When sustained or frequent wind gusts of 35 mph or greater with visibilities of less than one quarter mile for at least three hours are expected. |
Winter Storm Warning |
When six inches of snow in 12 hours or 8 inches in 24 hours are expected and/or 1/2 inch of sleet accumulation (mixed precipitation and blowing snow may also be possible). |
Ice Storm Warning |
When 1/4 inches or more of ice accumulation is expected. |
Wind Chill Warning |
When wind chill values of -40 F or colder are expected. |
Be sure to follow the National Weather Service offices in Bismarck and Grand Forks on Facebook this winter season!
You can also follow the Bismarck and Grand Forks offices on Twitter!
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