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Thornton Weather, Weather Education

Winter weather – What does that weather warning mean?

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You have seen and heard the warnings but do you know what they really mean?
You have seen and heard the warnings but do you know what they really mean?

We all are familiar with the crawls on the TV screen or the announcements on the radio for winter weather advisories such as Winter Storm Watch, Blizzard Warning, Freeze Warning and more. But, how many of us really know what those mean? There is very specific criteria the National Weather Service follows in issuing these watches and warnings and there are important differences between all of them.

In this second in a series on Winter Weather Preparedness from the National Weather Service, ThorntonWeather.com helps you understand what all of these mean so you can be better prepared.

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BOULDER CO
600 AM TUE OCT 18 2022

From the National Weather Service:

What does that warning mean?

When a warning is issued during the winter season, will you know what it means, and will you know how to respond? During this Colorado Winter Weather Preparedness Week, please become familiar with our list of potentially life-saving winter weather products.

OUTLOOKS

A Hazardous Weather Outlook is issued daily by the National Weather Service office in Boulder Colorado. The outlook provides information on potentially hazardous weather out to 7 days into the future. Also, the Weather Story, a graphic of expected hazardous weather, is posted daily on National Weather Service web sites.

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

A Winter Storm Watch is issued when hazardous winter storm conditions are possible within the next 3 to 4 days, but the timing, intensity, or occurrence may still be uncertain. In contrast, a Winter Storm Warning is issued for potentially life-threatening winter storm conditions, such as heavy snowfall or a combination of snowfall and blowing snow, which are likely to occur within the next 1 to 2 days. Impacts such as timing of winter weather on rush hour are also considered when issuing Watches and Warnings.

Winter Storm
Plains: 6″ in 12 hours, 8″ in 24 hrs
Mountains: 8″ in 12 hours, 12″ in 24 hours
And Impacts

Winter Weather Advisory
Plains: 3-6″ in 12 hours, 4-8″ in 24 hours
Mountains: 4-8″ in 12 hours, 6-12″ in 24 hours
And Impacts

Blizzard
Sustained wind or frequent gusts 35 mph or greater, AND
Considerable falling/blowing snow with visibility less than 1/4 mile, for at least 3 hours

ADVISORIES

Advisories for winter weather are issued for potentially hazardous conditions which are considered more of a nuisance than a life-threatening situation. However, if caution is not taken the advisory events could become life-threatening. Impacts such as timing of winter weather on rush hour are also considered when issuing Advisories.

Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado will continue through Saturday.

Winter weather watches and advisories.

Colorado Weather, Severe Weather, Thornton Weather, Weather Education

Severe Weather 101 – Watches, Warnings and More

Last year's Windsor tornado highlighted just how dangerous weather in Colorado can be. Are you and your family prepared? Do you know what the watches and warnings all mean?
The 2008 Windsor tornado highlighted just how dangerous weather in Colorado can be. Are you and your family prepared? Do you know what the watches and warnings all mean?

We’ve all seen TV or Internet news of a weather related watch or warning being issued. But, how many really know what they mean? There is a pretty big difference between the two and it is important to be aware just what it means to you so you can take the appropriate precautions.

Dozens of weather related fatalities occur every year in Colorado, many simply out of ignorance. Taking the time to be aware of the conditions around you and taking appropriate action will keep you from becoming a statistic.

Naturally you can get information on current advisories from television as local stations usually do a good job of “crawling” them on the screen when they are issued. This works well if you have a TV available but if not, the radio would be a secondary source. The Internet and the National Weather Service’s website are a great one when at a computer.

The problem with relying on news media or the Internet is that their ability to warn you of a developing weather situation is dependent on your monitoring them.  Severe weather can strike without little warning.  How will you know if severe weather is about to strike if you don’t have the TV or radio on?

Your first line of defense – NOAA All Hazards Radio

NOAA Weather RadioFor just about anywhere, a special radio that picks up the NOAA’s All Hazard Radio broadcasts is the way to go and provides information from the source. Oftentimes simply called a weather radio, we highly recommend every household have one of these.

These radios are relatively inexpensive and allow you to be immediately notified of official National Weather Service warnings, watches, and forecasts as well as other hazard information like earthquakes, avalanches, chemical spills, and even AMBER alerts.  In fact, with these radios, you will be notified at the exact same time the news media is made aware giving you a head start on preparing for a developing situation.

To learn more about these devices and what you should look for when buying one, click here.

A high-tech alternative – Cell phone weather apps

Many people now have smartphones that allow for downloadable apps and weather-related ones are among the most popular.

All of these applications have a number of weather related features in common.  All provide current conditions for either the location the user is in now or for saved locations and all provide some sort of radar.

Most can be configured to sound an alert when the National Weather Service issues a watch or warning.  While they are no substitue for a weather radio, these apps provide you with immediate notification no matter where you are at.

For a look at some of these weather apps and their features, click here.

Continue reading Severe Weather 101 – Watches, Warnings and More →

Thornton Weather

Live social feed: Significant winter storm to close January, begin February

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ThorntonWeather.com on Facebook, Google+ and TwitterA significant winter storm is bearing down on Colorado and the state is blanketed with watches and warnings. The system has the potential to deliver our biggest snowfall of the 2015 / 2016 season thus far.

The National Weather Service has said 6 to 12 inches will be possible between Sunday night and Tuesday morning. Areas north of I-76 like Thornton will likely be at the lower end of the range but even at that it would be a healthy shot of snow.

Throughout the period we will of course be monitoring the system and posting regularly to our Facebook page and Twitter feed.  You can follow along in real time below.  We are also on Google+ here.

For comprehensive look at the storm, please monitor our Winter Weather Briefing page.


 


Thornton Weather

Live social feed: Thornton’s November 2015 snowstorm

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ThorntonWeather.com on Facebook, Google+ and TwitterOur most significant winter weather storm is set to impact Thornton and the Colorado Front Range.  A Blizzard Warning has been issued and we expect to see significant snowfall and a wide array of impacts.

The National Weather Service has said 10 to 18 inches will be possible for the heavier hit areas.  Areas north of I-76 like Thornton will see less. Even lighter amounts coupled with the strong winds are going to create hazardous conditions across the area.

Throughout the period we will of course be monitoring the system and posting regularly to our Facebook page and Twitter feed.  You can follow along in real time below.  We are also on Google+ here.

For comprehensive look at the storm, please monitor our Winter Weather Briefing page.


 


Thornton Weather

Winter Storm Watch issued, Thornton may receive biggest snow of the season

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In a very brief period of time the forecast for the next 48 hours has changed considerably.  The latest data indicates Thornton and the Colorado Front Range may be receiving a healthy dose of snow starting Thursday afternoon and lasting into Friday.

Abundant moisture streaming in from the Pacific coupled with a series of cold fronts stands to bring a wintry blast to the area.  While the arrival is still a good ways out and much could change between now and when it gets here, the potential for a significant snow event exists.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Denver metro area and western plains.  In effect from 3:00 p.m. Thursday through 3:00 p.m. Friday, the watch cautions that heavy snow will be possible.

Total forecast amounts are in the 3 to 6 inch range for the Denver area and 5 to 10 inches in the foothills.  Bands of heavier snowfall are possible and could serve to drive those totals up.  The Weather Prediction Center is giving at least a 40% chance of snowfall greater than or equal to 4 inches in our area.

The arrival later in the day Thursday should help to mitigate impacts to tomorrow’s commute home.  However if this pans out as forecast, Friday morning’s drive to work may be a rough one.

With those forecast snowfall amounts comes the caveat that there is the possibility for less snowfall than mentioned above.  A strong jet is overhead and while we expect upslope winds to help create a sustained snow event, should downslope flow prevail amounts will decrease.

Be sure to monitor our Winter Weather Briefing Page for all the latest with the coming storm.  Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to ‘like’ us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and add us to your Google+ circles.

Thornton Weather

The Big Freeze – Snow and Arctic cold to be main Thornton weather feature

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CDOT snowplows on I-25
CDOT snowplows work on I-25 near 104th Avenue Monday afternoon. Arctic cold will be a major hazard as wind chills could dip to 35 degrees below zero over the next 36 hours. (ThorntonWeather.com)

Storm update, 4:30pm – The thermometer only knows one way through the rest of today and tonight – down!  Thus far Thornton has dipped to 6 degrees with wind chill values around -3 and it is far from done dropping.

The National Weather Service has modified the weather warnings / watches for the next 12 hours or so.  The Winter Weather Advisory for snow will continue through midnight.  New however is a Wind Chill Warning that will be in effect from midnight through 6:00am Wednesday.

In terms of snow we will continue to see a pretty steady stream of light snowfall through the extended period but accumulations will be light.  Most areas will see a couple inches additional accumulation with higher amounts south and west in the foothills and along the Palmer Divide. 

The cold continues to be the real story.  Temperatures overnight will be dropping to five below zero with some places possibly getting even colder.  Couple the cold air with gusty winds to 25 mph and wind chill readings will be between 15 and 35 degrees below zero. 

These temperatures will be very dangerous for anyone caught outside in the cold.  Hypothermia and frostbite can settle in very quickly and everyone needs to be aware.

Roads continue to be icy and snowpacked and the afternoon and morning rush hour are going to be rough around the metro area.  Drivers should exercise extreme caution.

All Thornton area school districts have announced they will be closed on Tuesday including Adams 12, Adams 14, Adams 50, Mapleton, and Brighton 27J.

Continue reading The Big Freeze – Snow and Arctic cold to be main Thornton weather feature →

Thornton Weather

Thornton set to get a taste of the Arctic; Winter Weather Advisory issued

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A Winter Weather Advisory will go into effect at 6:00am on Monday as snow and bitter cold arrive. (ThorntonWeather.com)
A Winter Weather Advisory will go into effect at 6:00am on Monday as snow and bitter cold arrive. (ThorntonWeather.com)

A major winter storm is set to impact nearly two thirds of the nation starting tomorrow including Thornton and the rest of northeastern Colorado.  The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our area warning of blowing snow and dangerous cold.

The service is warning of total snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches for the event from tomorrow morning through Tuesday.  Snow is expected to start lightly on Monday morning then increase in intensity in the afternoon and continue overnight into Tuesday morning. 

Arctic cold will be a prominent feature of this system sending the mercury plummeting into areas that present a very real danger to people and property.  Monday will see temperatures at about 26 degrees at 6:00am but then decreasing continually throughout the day and overnight when it will drop below zero. 

Tomorrow’s afternoon commute and the Tuesday morning commute are likely to be rough ones so you will want to plan accordingly. 

Tuesday’s high temperature will struggle to even get above zero and overnight temperatures on Tuesday could drop all the way to 15 degrees below zero.  Wednesday will warm only slightly with highs of around 10 degrees.

Continue reading Thornton set to get a taste of the Arctic; Winter Weather Advisory issued →

Thornton Weather

Winter storm bears down on Thornton; Snow and arctic cold prompt warning

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A Winter Storm Warning for snow and blowing snow will be in effect for Thornton. (National Weather Service)
A Winter Storm Warning for snow and blowing snow will be in effect for Thornton. Click the image to view our Winter Weather Briefing page. (National Weather Service)

Update, 1:10pm – A lull in the storm.  Snow will taper off for just a little bit this afternoon before picking back up before rush hour. 

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect and the National Weather Service is forecasting 5 to 10 inches total accumulation of snow.  In Thornton we have recorded 1/2 inch so far and in the end we will likely be at the lower end of the forecast range. Click here to view the latest storm reports.

As expected the real story is the temperatures.  Thornton hit its high temperature today of 32.5 degrees at 1:52am and it has all been downhill from there.  With winds around 10 mph gusting to 20 mph wind chills have now dipped into the single digits. 

Original story, 7:25am – The snow and cold are running a bit behind but they are on their way.  Thornton and the rest of the Denver metro are set to get our first winter storm of the season and a Winter Storm Warning has been issued.

A Winter Storm Warning for snow and blowing snow will go into effect for the Denver metro area at 9:00am and run through 6:00am on Friday.  The storm system is pushing its way through northeastern Colorado and as it does temperatures will plummet and snow will begin to fall.

Look for the snow to gradually start this morning with the heaviest period being late this afternoon and into tonight.  Total snow accumulations in Denver are forecast to be in the 5 to 10 inch range.  Here in Thornton we will likely be on the lighter side of that range.  The Front Range foothills and Palmer Divide may see up to a foot.  

The snow that initially falls will likely melt due to the warm ground however as temperatures drop roads will become icy and slick.  Extreme caution should be used, particularly late this afternoon and into tonight. 

While we are looking at a decent bit of snowfall, there isn’t a lot of moisture in this system.  As a result look for the snow to be light and fluffy.  This will make it easy to shovel but when winds pick up it creates a blowing snow hazard and visibility may be impacted. 

This sets the stage for near blizzard conditions, particularly in open areas to the northeast.  The National Weather Service has indicated a Blizzard Warning may be issued in some areas later today if conditions warrant.

Temperatures are the other big aspect of this storm system.  The mercury will be dropping throughout the day and by 5:00pm it will be down to 14 degrees with overnight lows approaching zero. 

The winds, coupled with the bitter Arctic cold, will create dangerous wind chill conditions.  Late afternoon will see wind chills near zero and overnight they will dip to near 15 degrees below zero. 

Anyone planning outdoor activities or traveling needs to be prepared.  Ensure you have adequate clothing and emergency supplies.  For more information be sure to check out our Winter Weather Preparedness links below. 

Airlines and Colorado Department of Transportation prepare for storm

With a storm like this travel of almost any form is impacted and area agencies are gearing up.  The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) said they would have 72 snowplows ready to roll with another 27 in reserve.  Click here to view our live road conditions page for the state and for a local look, check our Denver traffic page.

At Denver International Airport (DIA) airlines began waiving fees for passengers wanting to change their travel plans.  Continental, United and Frontier all said they were expecting delays and possibly cancellations from the storm and were operating accordingly. Our Airport & Flight Status page has details.

Winter Weather Preparedness

Intro Winter Weather Preparedness Week
Part 1 Winter travel safety
Part 2 Watches…warnings…and advisories
Part 3 High winds
Part 4 Wind chill temperatures and hypothermia
Part 5  Avalanche safety
Review  Winter Weather Preparedness Week review
Thornton Weather

Upgraded – National Weather Service issues Winter Storm Warning as storm approaches

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A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect Thursday morning. Thornton may see 5 to 10 inches of snow out of the system.
A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect Thursday morning. Thornton may see 5 to 10 inches of snow out of the system.

The National Weather Service has upgraded what was a Winter Storm Watch to a warning and is now forecasting 5 to 10 inches of snow.  Everything seems to be aligning for Thornton and the rest of the Denver metro area to see its first winter storm of the season.

Most of the computers models are coming together with a solution that will pass a low pressure system across southern Colorado.  This solution sets things up for a significant winter weather event with accumulating snow across most of northeastern Colorado.

The Winter Storm Warning will go into effect at 9:00am Thursday and run through 6:00am Friday and is for snow and blowing snow.  Snow will gradually start Thursday morning in the pre-dawn hours and then increase in intensity before noon.  Throughout the day and into early morning Friday the snow will continue. 

Accumulations from 5 to 10 inches are possible with some isolated areas receiving more.  The snow will be joined with gusty winds to 35 mph and bitter Arctic cold temperatures that will send wind chill temperatures plumetting. 

Tomorrow morning’s commute may be a bit messy depending on the timing of the start of the snow.  The afternoon rush hour may be a doozy.  The one possible consolation will be that the snow is likely to of the relatively dry type that we see this year so shoveling shouldn’t be too bad. 

The cold that is accompanying this storm is the other notable aspect.  Thursday will see a high temperature around 23 degrees – nearly 30 degrees cooler than today.  Further that high temperature will be achieved around midnight.  After that the mercury will fall to around 16 degrees by 6:00pm with wind chills into the single digits.

Overnight lows Thursday night will be near zero.  Friday sees little in the way of improvement in terms of temperature with a forecast high of only 15 degrees.  As the clouds clear out late Friday that will allow for even colder nighttime temperatures Friday night with the mercury likely dipping to below zero.

As this storm hits conditions will likely become hazardous for travel and residents should be prepared.  For more information on what you can do to get ready and protect your family, be sure to check out the links below for our series on Winter Weather Preparedness. 

Intro Winter Weather Preparedness Week
Part 1 Winter travel safety
Part 2 Watches…warnings…and advisories
Part 3 High winds
Part 4 Wind chill temperatures and hypothermia
Part 5  Avalanche safety
Review  Winter Weather Preparedness Week review
Thornton Weather

Dry, hot and windy conditions prompt Red Flag Warning

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With plenty of heat and a lack of moisture the fire danger is high along the Front Range on Sunday. (National Weather Service)
With plenty of heat and a lack of moisture the fire danger is high along the Front Range on Sunday. (National Weather Service)

September is starting off as a hot one along the Front Range and indeed across the state of Colorado.  With temperatures set to approach record highs, low humidity and windy conditions the fire danger has prompted a Red Flag Warning for Sunday.

The record high temperature for September 5th is 97 degrees and that is what Denver’s thermometer is expected to rise to today.  Humidity during the heat of the day is forecast to drop below 15% and the afternoon will bring breezy conditions with winds gusting over 30 mph. 

All of those factors will serve to dry out the Colorado Front Range and bring what the National Weather Service calls “extreme fire danger” to the area. 

The service has issued a Red Flag Warning that will be in effect from 10:00am to 9:00pm today covering the Front Range foothills and adjacent areas including Denver and Thornton.  Conditions are expected to be at their peak from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

Similarly, the Western Slope from the Continental Divide west to the Utah border is under a Red Flag warning from noon until 9:00pm. 

Colorado has made it through what has been a relatively hot summer without any major wildfires.  However conditions today are ripe and should a fire get started, it could spread rapidly and with devastating effects.  With the Labor Day holiday weekend many people will be spending time outdoors and extreme caution should be exercised. 

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