Ice storm warning explained

An ice storm warning is a hazardous weather statement issued by the Weather Forecast Offices of the National Weather Service inthe United States which indicates that freezing rain produces a significant and possibly damaging accumulation of ice on surfaces. The criteria for this warning vary from state to state, but typically an ice storm warning will be issued any time more than NaNinches of ice at peak is expected to accumulate in an area, else a freezing rain or drizzle advisory is issued; in some areas, the criterion is NaNinches instead.[1]

Prior to October 2017, a freezing rain advisory or freezing drizzle advisory was issued when a small amount of icing was possible.

In Canada, a freezing rain warning has the same meaning.

Example of an ice storm warning


650 
WWUS41 KRLX 140913
WSWRLX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Charleston WV
413 AM EST Sun Feb 14 2021

WVZ013>016-018-020-024>026-029>031-141715-
/O.UPG.KRLX.WS.A.0004.210215T0600Z-210216T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KRLX.IS.W.0002.210215T0600Z-210216T1500Z/
Lincoln-Putnam-Kanawha-Roane-Calhoun-Doddridge-Mingo-Logan-Boone-
Gilmer-Lewis-Harrison-
Including the cities of Harts, Alum Creek, Hamlin, Teays Valley, 
Hurricane, Charleston, South Charleston, Saint Albans, Spencer, 
Grantsville, West Union, Williamson, Logan, Chapmanville, Man, 
Madison, Glenville, Weston, Clarksburg, and Bridgeport
413 AM EST Sun Feb 14 2021

...ICE STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM MONDAY TO 10 AM EST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Significant icing expected. Total snow accumulations of 
  up to two inches and ice accumulations of two tenths to one 
  quarter of an inch.

* WHERE...Portions of central, northern and southern West 
  Virginia.

* WHEN...From 1 AM Monday to 10 AM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
  ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions
  could impact the morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There could be a break in the freezing rain
  Monday afternoon and evening if temperatures manage to rise 
  briefly above freezing. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, keep an extra
flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an
emergency. Prepare for possible power outages. 

Additional information can be found at
https://www.weather.gov/rlx as well as on our Facebook and
Twitter pages.

&&

$$

[2]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ice storm warning. Glossary - NOAA's National Weather Service.. 17 May 2011. National Weather Service.
  2. Web site: IEM :: Valid Time Event Code (VTEC) App.