Summer
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
This watch means that conditions are favorable for thunderstorms to produce wind gusts to 58 mph or stronger or hail to 3/4 inch or larger in the watch area. These watches are issued for four to six hours at a time and for a number of counties. Stay informed, watch the sky, and take cover if a severe thunderstorm approaches you.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
This warning means that a severe thunderstorm has been detected by radar, or by a trained spotter. Take cover if you are near the severe thunderstorm.
Tornado Watch
This watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. It is normally issued for four to six hours, and includes many counties. If you are in or near the tornado watch area, stay informed via NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television. Keep your eye on the sky and be prepared to take cover at short notice, as tornadoes can occur with little or no warning.
Tornado Warning
This warning means that a tornado has been sighted, or a developing tornado is reported by trained spotters or indicated on Doppler radar. A warning is typically issued for a small area for less than an hour. If a tornado warning is issued for your area take cover immediately!
Flash Flood Watch
This watch is issued when heavy rain may develop and result in flash flooding in or near the watch area.
Flash Flood Warning
This warning means flash flooding in the warning area has developed or is imminent. Move to higher ground at once!
Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory
This advisory means local flooding of small streams, streets, or low lying areas such as railroad underpasses is occurring or is imminent.
Year-Round
High Wind Watch
This watch is issued when high wind conditions are expected to develop in the next 12 to 36 hours. Sometimes issued 6 to 12 hours in advance, if uncertainty to the high wind conditions exists.
High winds conditions are defined as:
- Sustained winds of 50 mph or greater for one hour or gusts to 75 miles per hour or greater for any duration in the mountains or foothills.
- Sustained winds of 40 mph or greater for one hour.
- Gusts of 58 mph or greater for any duration in areas outside of the mountains or foothills.
High Wind Warning
This warning is issued for either:
- Sustained winds of 50 mph or greater for one hour or gusts to 75 mph or greater for any duration in the mountains or foothills.
- Sustained winds of 40 mph or greater for one hour or gusts to 58 mph or greater for any duration in areas outside of the mountains and foothills.
Dense Fog Advisory
This advisory is issued when widespread fog will reduce visibility to less than 1/4 mile.