KCTV 5Weather Alerts

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Alerts you are receiving

• Blizzard Watch
• Blizzard Warning
• Blowing Snow Advisory
• Freezing Rain Advisory
• Heavy Snow Warning
• Ice Storm Warning
• Winter Storm Watch
• Winter Storm Warning
• Winter Weather Advisory

Typical Watch/Advisory/Warning Hierarchy:

1. Severe T-Storm or Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms or tornadoes in the area, but nothing is imminent.
   Keep an eye out and prepare for possible severe weather through expiration time. Watches can span many states and can be in effect for around 6 hours or so.
   
   
2. Severe T-Storm or Tornado Warning means that a severe t-storm (wind: 58mph+, hail: 1" diam.+) or tornado has been detected.
   Take shelter immediately. Warnings typically last an average of 30 minutes. (Flash Flood Warnings can stay in effect much longer)

Watches are typically issued before Warnings, but not always.

For Winter Weather, a typical scenario is that a Winter Storm Watch is issued 24 hours or more prior to the storm's anticipated arrival.
That watch could then be upgraded as the storm gets closer.

Winter Weather Advisory:

• Generally issued when snow/sleet/freezing rain could create headaches for travel.
• Travelers are advised to use caution.

Winter Storm Warning:

• Usually issued when several inches of snow is forecast or significant winter weather is anticipated, causing major travel disruptions.

Ice Storm Warnings:

• Issued when significant amounts of ice (freezing rain/sleet) are forecast.

Blizzard Warnings:

• When blizzard conditions are forecast (heavy snow, winds: 35mph+, low visibility).