Continuing list of warnings, watches, advisories and statements provided by the National Weather Service for severe weather such as thunderstorms, flooding, snow, storms.
The National Weather Service issues warnings, watches and advisories for severe weather conditions, categorized by color. By using over 80 different colors, the watches and warnings are easy to identify from the NWS map. Alerts are organized by hue, for example blue is used for cold weather, or red is used for serious events such as tornado warnings.
List of Warnings, Watches and Advisories M - Z
To read the first part of this list for A - L, click here.
Marine Weather Statement - peachpuff
Red Flag Warning – deep pink – Issued for areas with possible “extreme burning conditions” due to dry conditions, wind, hot temperatures and relative humidity less than 25 percent. This warning can also be issued for dry lightning.
Severe Weather Statement – aqua - This narrative statement is issued by the local NWS for a specific area
Short Term Forecast – pale green
Sleet Advisory – medium slate blue
Sleet Warning – sky blue
Small Craft Advisory – thistle
Snow Advisory – medium blue
Special Marine Warning – orange - Issued for coastal areas and the Great Lakes region, for potentially hazardous conditions due to thunderstorms producing high winds, hail or waterspouts. These are usually issued for short periods of time, up to 2 hours.
Wind Chill Advisory – pale turquoise – This advisory is issued for wind chill conditions that could become life threatening for humans and animals. These alerts vary by state.
Wind Chill Warning – light steelblue
Wind Chill Watch – cadet blue
Winter Storm Warning – hot pink
Winter Storm Watch – steel blue
Winter Weather Advisory – burlywood - This advisory is issued for winter weather conditions such as snow, sleet, or freezing rain produced by a low pressure system.
Storm Watches and Warnings
Watches and warnings for storms and tornadoes can differ. Storm and tornado watches mean that severe weather is possible, within a given amount of time. Watches usually last between four and six hours. Warnings on the other hand, mean severe weather has been detected or observed, and it is moving in a given direction. The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma has the authority to issue watches. Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings are issued by the local offices of the National Weather Service.
For a complete list of watches, warnings, alerts and advisories, access the National Weather Service.
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