Kansas Weather Guide

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National Weather Service Preparedness Guide

Definitions from National Weather Service, Links to Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia. All links will open new browser window.

Warnings
A warning is issued when hazardous weather is occurring, immanent or likely to occur.  A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property.  People in the path of the storm need to take protective action.  NWS may activate weather spotters in areas effected by warnings to help them better track and analyze the event.

Blizzard Warning
Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph (56 km/h) or greater, considerable falling and/or blowing snow reducing visibility frequently to 1/4 mile (0.4 km) or less for a period of three hours or more. There are no temperature criteria in the definition of a blizzard but freezing temperatures and 35 mph winds will create sub-zero wind chills.

Excessive heat warning
Extreme heat index making it feel like above 110 °F (43 °C) with a minimum above 80 °F (27 °C).

Flash Flood Warning
Signifies a dangerous situation where rapid flooding of small rivers, streams, creaks, or urban areas are imminent or already occurring. Very heavy rain that falls in a short time period can lead to flash flooding, depending on local terrain, ground cover, degree of urbanization, degree of man-made changes to river banks, and initial ground or river.

Heavy sleet warning
Accumulations of 1/2 inch (12 mm) or more of sleet.

Heavy Snow Warning
Snowfall of 6 inches (15 cm) or more in 12 hours or less, or 8 inches (20 cm) or more in 24 hours or less.

High wind warning
Sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) or greater for a duration of one hour or longer or gusts to 58 mph (93 km/h) or greater.

Ice Storm Warning
Accumulations of 1/4 inch (6mm) or more of freezing rain.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Issued when a thunderstorm produces hail 3/4 inch (20 mm) or larger in diameter and/or winds which equal or exceed 58 mph (93 km/h). Severe thunderstorms can result in the loss of life and/or property. Information in this warning includes: where the storm is, what towns will be affected, and the primary threat associated with the storm.

Tornado Warning
Tornado is indicated by radar or sighted by storm spotters. The warning will include where the tornado is and what towns will be in its path. (Also automatically indicates a Severe Thunderstorm Warning).

Wind chill warning
Extreme wind chills making it feel like -30 °F (-34 °C) or colder.

Winter Storm Warning
Hazardous winter weather conditions that pose a threat to life and/or property are occurring, imminent or likely. The generic term, winter storm warning, is used for a combination of two or more of the following winter weather events; heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet and strong winds.

Severe Weather Statement
Issued when the forecaster wants to follow up a warning with important information on the progress of severe weather elements.

Watches
A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so. A watch means that hazardous weather is possible. People should have a plan of action in case a storm threatens and they should listen for later information and possible warnings especially when planning travel or outdoor activities. NWS may activate weather spotters in areas effected by watches to help them better track and analyze the event.

Flash Flood Watch
Indicates that flash flooding is possible in and close to the watch area. Those in the affected area are urged to be ready to take quick action if a flash flood warning is issued or flooding is observed.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Watches are usually in effect for several hours, with 6 hours being the most common.

Tornado Watch
Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms producing tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Watches are usually in effect for several hours, with 6 hours being the most common. (Also automatically indicates a Severe Thunderstorm Watch)

Winter Storm Watch
Conditions are favorable for hazardous winter weather conditions including heavy snow, blizzard conditions, or significant accumulations of freezing rain or sleet. These watches are issued by the Weather Service Forecast Office and are usually issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of the event.

Advisories
An advisory is issued when hazardous weather is occurring, imminent or likely to occur. Advisories are for less serious conditions than warnings, that cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property. NWS may activate weather spotters in areas effected by advisories to help them better track and analyze the event.

Freezing rain advisory
Accumulations of less than 1/4 inch (6 mm) of freezing rain or freezing drizzle.

Heat advisory
Maximum heat index of 105 to 110 °F (40 to 43 °C) with a minimum of 75 °F (24 °C) for two or more consecutive days.

Sleet advisory
For accumulations of less than 1/2 inch (12 mm) of sleet

Snow advisory
Snowfall of 3 to 5 inches (8 to 14 cm).

Snow and blowing snow advisory
Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 25 to 35 mph (40 to 56 km/h) accompanied by falling and blowing snow, occasionally reducing visibility to 1/4 mile (0.4 km) or less.

Wind chill advisory
Dangerous wind chills making it feel like -20 °F (-28 °C) to -30 °F (-34 °C).

Hail diameter sizes

1/4 in (6 mm) - Pea size

1/2 in (13 mm) - Small marble size

3/4 in (20 mm) - (Severe Criteria) Dime/Penny/Large Marble size

7/8 in (22 mm) - US 5 cent coin size

1 in (25 mm) - US 25 cent coin size

1 1/4 in (32 mm) - US 50 cent coin size

1 1/2 in (37 mm) - Walnut or ping pong ball size

1 3/4 in (43 mm) - Golf ball size

2 in (50 m) - Hen Egg size

2 1/2 in (62 mm) - Tennis ball size

2 3/4 in (70 mm) - Baseball size

3 in (75 mm) - Teacup size

4 in (100 mm) - Grapefruit size

4 1/2 in (115 mm) - Softball size