What is a Winter Storm Warning?

Several inches of snow remain in Fairport Harbor, Ohio after a lake-effect snow swept through over the weekend and another snowstorm looms Thursday. FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell showed off her snow angel skills.

With the winter season upon us, winter weather warnings are bound to arise.

The primary goal of a weather event warning is to help keep residents safe during a winter storm.

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FILE – A snow plow clears a pathway from snow on February 9, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Newsportual Weather Service (NWS) has created a set list of criteria for when they issue a Winter Storm Warning.

According to the NWS, a Winter Storm Warning indicates that conditions pose a threat to life or property. It is highly likely that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain or a combination of these hazards that may cause significant impact.

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The warning suggests that there will be six inches of heavy snow in 12 hours or eight inches in 24 hours.

In some cases, travel will become difficult or impossible. It is recommended to delay travel plans until conditions improve.

FILE – Cars are seen driving in the snow.

(Drew Angerer / Getty Images)

In 2023, the NWS revamped the criteria for Winter Storm Warnings across the country along with creating a new map for winter storm watches and warnings across the U.S.

Under the new criteria all local NWS follow the threshold assigned to them by the main NWS office.

WINTER STORM WARNING CRITERIA FOR US REVAMPED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

For example, the amount of snow that triggers a Winter Storm Warning in the Northern Plains is much higher than the amount of snow that is needed to prompt a Winter Storm Warning in the Southeast.