Periods of Heavy Rain and Snow Continue from California through the Northern Rockies; Multiple Rounds of Ice and Snow to Impact a Large Part of the Northeastern States into Next Week

Moderate to heavy rain with a flooding risk will continue for northern and central California, with heavy mountain snow in the Sierras, southern Cascades, and northern Rockies through Friday. A series of winter storms will track from the Upper Midwest to off the Northeast U.S. coast into next week bringing rounds of moderate to locally heavy rain south of their track and ice and snow to the north. Read More >

Exceptional Winds

Biggest takeaway:
Extremely windy days (to the point of damage) are not common, but happen. Have a plan.

Warning/Trigger for Plan:
NWS High Wind Warning (greater threat; alerted on NOAA Weather Radio) –and-
NWS Wind Advisory (some threat; not alerted on NOAA Weather Radio)

Advance Notice/Time to Activate & Accomplish Your Planned Response:
Generally 6-18 hours. May be preceded by a High Wind Watch as many as 2 days in advance.

Frequency:
2-5 Wind Advisories is an annual average.
0-1 High Wind Warnings for widespread damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or higher.

How Accurate Warnings?
Widespread winds of this nature are typically well forecast and warned for.

The NWS issues High Wind Warnings for exceptionally windy days where the winds (not storm related, but the general winds) are expected to cause damage (>60 mph).
Have a plan to:
- Secure your location from damaging wind gusts.
- Shelter in a suitable structure
- Note that large branches and trees are at risk for coming down. Is that a threat in your location? How do you keep people out of harm’s way?