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Watch, Warning Or Advisory...What Do All Of These Weather Terms Mean?

KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales answers the questions you never get to ask on-air.

Q: Today we have a Flood WATCH and a wind ADVISORY in effect. What is the difference between a watch and advisory? - Tim Harris; Vacaville

A: Hi Tim! It's all about weather terminology defining the intensity and timing of a weather event.

Let's begin with:
Weather Statement
A Weather Statement is issued by the National Weather Service as notification of significant weather when no advisory, watch or warning has been issued yet. In the case of our current storm, a Weather Statement was issued last Sunday to give us all "head up" about the impending storm. A Weather Statement can also be issued as a follow up message to the Advisory, Watch and Warning as well.

Advisory
An advisory can be issued for Marine Outlooks or Weather Forecasts. An Advisory is typically used for less severe type of weather. It means the weather condition has a decent chance of occurring. A "Small Craft Advisory" is less severe than a "Small Craft Warning".

Watch
A Watch generally means there is a really good chance of a particular weather event occurring and a Watch usually covers a large region for a lengthy period of time. Today we have a Flood Watch for the ENTIRE North Bay until Saturdays Morning. This indicates, there is likely going to be flooding on local roadways and low lying areas.

Warning
A Warning means the weather event is either happening or likely to occur soon. And take preventive and proper action. Warnings are usually issued for smaller areas for a shorter amount of time. For example: there could be a "severe thunderstorm warning from 10:45 to 11am for San Francisco to SFO as a rain cell pass through the area. (again, that was an example!)

It is important the public takes note of all Statement, Advisories, Watches and Warnings for personal safety and the safety of family and friends.

Do you have a question, observation or picture to share with me? Please email me at: Gonzales@kpix.cbs.com

Have a terrific weekend!

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