Stay Alert! Wind Watches, Warnings and Advisories

In the event of high wind events, the National Weather Service issues several different watches, warnings, and advisories. But what do each of these products mean?
 
Each of the National Weather Service offices will issue these watches, warnings, and advisories when certain criteria are met. However, local offices may vary these criteria slightly.
 
Below is a list of each of the different wind-related Watches, Warnings, and Advisories that the National Weather Service issues:

• High Wind Warning: Sustained, strong winds with even stronger wind gusts are occurring. Take action and seek shelter! If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheels and slow down. In lower elevations, when sustained winds of 40 mph or greater and/or wind gusts of 58 mph or greater are expected, a High Wind Warning is issued. In the mountains, when sustained winds of 50 mph or greater and/or wind gusts of 75 mph or greater are expected, then a High Wind Warning is issued.
• High Wind Watch: Sustained, strong winds are possible. Be prepared! You will want to secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary, so you’re not caught off guard. In lower elevations, when sustained winds of 40 mph or greater and/or wind gusts of 58 mph or greater will be possible, a High Wind Watch is issued. In the mountains, when sustained winds of 50 mph or greater and/or wind gusts of 75 mph or greater will be possible, then a High Wind Watch is issued.
• Wind Advisory: Strong winds are occurring but not as strong to constitute a High Wind Warning. Take action! Objects that are outdoors should be secured, and caution should be taken if driving. A Wind Advisory is often issued for sustained winds of 30-39 mph and/or gusts of 45-57 mph are expected. Wind Advisories are not usually issued in mountain locations.
• Dust Storm Warning: Sometimes the wind stirs up dust or sand. These warnings are issued when the visibility is lowered to 1/2 mile or less due to blowing dust or sand, and with wind speeds of 30 mph or more.
• Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorm development. Severe thunderstorms have wind gusts of 58 mph or higher (and/or can contain hail 1 inch or larger). Be prepared! Secure any loose items outside and be ready to act should a severe thunderstorm develop.
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe thunderstorms are happening or are imminent in the warned area. Take action! Severe thunderstorms can contain wind gusts in excess of 58 mph (and/or hail 1 inch or larger). Seek shelter inside a sturdy building, keeping away from windows.

There are a couple of alerts that the National Weather Service will issue for high winds over near-shore waterways. These include:

• Gale Warning: These are issued for locations along the water not associated with tropical cyclones and when conditions are expected to begin within 36 hours. These warnings are issued when sustained winds of 34-47 knots (39-55 mph) or frequent wind gusts (duration of two or more hours) of 34-47 knots are expected. Take action! Be sure to secure your vessel in port.
• Hurricane Force Wind Warning: These are issued for locations along the water not associated with tropical cyclones and when conditions are expected to begin within 36 hours. These warnings are issued when sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph) or greater or frequent wind gusts (duration of two or more hours) of 64 knots or greater are expected. Take action! Be sure to secure your vessel in port.

 
There are a few other advisories and warnings issued by only a select few offices dealing with dust storms and/or blowing dust. Like the Dust Storm Warning above, these advisories and warnings often deal with reduced visibility due to blowing dust and sand.
 
In the wintertime, Blizzard Warnings can be issued when sustained winds reach at least 35 mph and is accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduce the visibility to under 1/4 mile for at least 3 hours.
 
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Source: National Weather Service
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