Understanding Winter Weather Alerts in Delaware County, PA

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby can respond immediately to winter storm emergencies.

Winter Weather Alerts and What They Mean

SERVPRO of Upper Darby understands bad weather and the affects it has on you and your property. When temperatures drop into a deep freeze, pipes in your home can become frozen, causing water. Being aware and prepared is the best way to minimize damage to your property.

A Winter Weather Event

This is a winter weather phenomenon (such as snow, sleet, ice and wind chill) that impacts public safety, transportation and/or commerce.  It typically occurs during the climatological winter season between October 15th and April 15th.

Weather Outlook

Winter weather that may cause significant impact in the 3 to 7 day forecast and eventually lead to the issuance of a watch or warning is contained in the Hazardous Weather Outlook.

Forecasts in the 3 to 7 day time period typically have a lot of forecast uncertainty.  Uncertainty is generally in the 30 to 50% range that the event will occur and reach warning criteria.  It is intended to provide information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event.

Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories

Are issued by your local National Weather Service office.  Each office knows the local area and will issue Warnings, Watches or Advisories based on local criteria. 

So, What Do These Alerts Mean?

Weather Advisory

Advisories are issued when a hazardous winter weather event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence (generally greater than 80%).  An advisory is for less serious conditions that cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property. 

Advisories are issued using the WSW Winter Weather Message product and will appear as a headline in some texts products such as the Zone Forecast. 

Weather Watch

A watch is generally issued in the 24 to 72 hour forecast time frame when the risk of a hazardous winter weather event has increased (50 to 80% certainty that warning thresholds will be met).  It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so. 

A watch is issued using the WSW Winter Weather Message product and will appear as a headline in some text products such as the Zone Forecast. 

Weather Warning

Warnings are issued when a hazardous winter weather event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence (generally greater than 80%).  A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property. 

Warnings are issued using the WSW Winter Weather Message product and will appear as a headline in some text products such as the Zone Forecast. 

Have Winter Storm Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby (610) 352-0700

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

SERVPRO of Upper Darby has experience restoring homes affected by storms. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition.