The 2009-2010 Winter Storm season has arrived in Northeast Ohio! Youngstown WeatherWATCH is your Winter Weather Authority. Throughout the entire winter season, keep it here for the latest storm reports and forecasts. Below are some terms that I will be using on the site during the winter season, as well as any current winter weather advisories that are in effect for Mahoning County only. On my blogroll, I have a link to The National Weather Service’s Winter Weather Safety page. Have a safe and wonderful winter season!

Current Winter Weather Alerts for Mahoning County

There are no current winter weather alerts for Mahoning County

Winter Weather Terminology

Wind Chill – A temperature reading that indicates how cold the air really is when wind speed is factored in.

Freezing Rain – Rain that freezes once it hits the surface. Often causes extremely dangerous conditions, and is the cause of many automobile accidents.

Synoptic Snow – Snow that is widespread throughout a large area.

Lake Effect Snow – Snow that forms when cold Canadian air blows over relatively warm lake waters, causing an increase in precipitation close to the lakeshore, dumping large amounts of snow.

Sleet – Pelletts of ice that accumulate on surfaces. Different from freezing rain in that the pelletts freeze before reaching the ground, not upon contact.

Blizzard – Storm with winds of at least 35mph which causes blowing and drifting snow and reduces visibilities of a quarter-mile or lower.

Snow Squall – A period of heavy snow that causes white-out conditions.

Winter Watches, Warnings & Advisories

Winter Storm Warning – Normally issued between 6 and 12 hours before a winter storm. Means that significant winter precipitation is expected and will cause major problems for the area.

Blizzard Warning – Issued when blizzard conditions are expected to persist over an area for a straight three hours or more.

Ice Storm Warning – Issued when significant freezing rain accumulations are expected and heavy coatings of ice are expected to develop on all surfaces.

Wind Chill Warning –  Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to drop below -25 degrees fairenheight for a long period of time.

Winter Storm Watch – Normally issued 36 hours or so before a winter storm. Means that there is the potential for a significant snow, sleet, or ice storm to affect the area.

Snow Advisory – Issued when snowfall accumulations will range from 3 to 5 inches in a 12 hour period.

Winter Weather Advisory – Issued when snow, sleet, and/or freezing rain will impact travel, but not significantly.

Snow & Blowing Snow Advisory – Issued when snow will combine with windy conditions and reduce visibilities to 1/8 of a mile or lower. These winds also cause snow drifts.

Wind Chill Advisory – Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be between -10 and -25 degrees for a long period of time.