What’s The Difference Between Winter A Storm Advisory, Warning, and, Warning?

It seems like it's been a long time coming, but it finally looks like some winter weather is on the way to Western New York. Snow and cold temps are heading to the northeast, with parts of Western New York and Western Pennsylvania having alerts issued by meteorologists and the National Weather Service. No matter how hard we try to forget, this kind of weather comes every year, and it always seems to be a surprise when we have to start preparing.

While it doesn't look like winter outside yet, it is coming, and based on a recent report from the National Weather Service, we should be seeing some significant snowfall over the next week or so. Some areas are being advised to be ready to measure snow in feet, not inches. When that happens, governmental weather officials issue weather reports that tell us how they will impact us and what we should do in the interim.

READ MORE: Western New York Is Going Under A Winter Storm Watch

I know I am not the only person who watches weather reports or checks out the National Weather Service website, but I instantly get confused when I see winter storm watch, warning, and advisory.

Which one is really serious, which one is just for information, and most importantly, do you need to worry about them? If this is the case, we have an answer for you.

What's The Difference Between a Winter Storm Watch & a Winter Storm Warning?

The National Weather Service has a good breakdown of the different types of winter weather alerts they issue to the public. From Advisories to Warnings, they publish a wealth of information for you to know when to just be away and when you need to take some action.

According to the National Weather Service:

• Winter Weather Advisories are issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or a combination of these wintry elements is expected. Still, conditions should not be hazardous enough to meet warning criteria. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible travel difficulties. Use caution when driving.
• Winter Storm Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event (heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, heavy snow and blowing snow or a combination of events.)
• Winter Storm Warnings are issued for a significant winter weather event including snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow or a combination of these hazards. Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations. Delay your travel plans until conditions improve.

The quick thing to remember is that an Advisory means you should Be Aware, a Watch means you should Be Prepared, and a Warning means to be ready to Take Action!