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Communicating Hazards and Impacts
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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.
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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 |
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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. |
| Extreme Cold 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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