Ohio winter weather advisory: What does the advisory mean as snow squalls are expected?

Cole Behrens, Columbus Dispatch
As sleet coats the roads in a layer of ice, a snow plow clears Olentangy River Road near Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. Winter weather and poor road conditions closed many schools and businesses on Thursday.
As sleet coats the roads in a layer of ice, a snow plow clears Olentangy River Road near Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. Winter weather and poor road conditions closed many schools and businesses on Thursday.

Much of Ohio is under a winter weather advisory — but what does that mean?

The National Weather Service Wilmington office warned Monday to expect sudden snow squalls and widespread snow showers across much of central and southern Ohio. Some snow showers could be intense this afternoon and drivers prepared for rapidly changing road conditions if traveling.

The NWS is also predicting strong winds of 35 to 40 mph and could combine with the snow to create squalls that could reduce visibility or cause "white-out" conditions at times.

Expect heavier snow in the mid- to late-afternoon, with road conditions getting worse after dusk. The NWS is predicting a total of up to two inches of accumulation possible.

What is a winter weather advisory in Ohio?

A winter weather advisory means a less severe winter weather event is imminent, according to the NWS. It is intended to highlight hazardous weather conditions which could lead to life-threatening situations if caution is not exercised and are usually issued 6-18 hours prior to the weather event.

What's the difference between a winter storm advisory, watch and warning?

The NWS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) cautions about winter weather in three categories: advisories, watches and warnings (although there are subcategories as well that may be used). Here's what each means:

  • Advisory: A less severe winter weather event is imminent. It is intended to highlight hazardous weather conditions which could lead to life-threatening situations if caution is not exercised and are usually issued six to 18 hours before the weather event.

  • Watch: The potential exists for a significant or dangerous weather event (and can become a warning). A Watch is usually issued between 12 and 48 hours before a weather event.

  • Warning: A significant or dangerous weather event that is imminent. Warnings are usually issued six to 18 hours before to the weather event.

@Colebehr_report

Cbehrens@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Snow in Ohio: What does a winter weather advisory mean?

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