Ice storm warning

Weather warning indicating significant freezing rain and ice accumulations in the warned area
Ice covered trees in Muncie, Indiana

An ice storm warning is a hazardous weather statement issued by the Weather Forecast Offices of the National Weather Service in the 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 14 inch (6.4 mm) 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 12 inch (13 mm) 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

  • Severe weather terminology (United States)
  • Severe weather terminology (Canada)

References

  1. ^ National Weather Service. "Ice storm warning". Glossary - NOAA's National Weather Service. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
  2. ^ "IEM :: Valid Time Event Code (VTEC) App".
  • National Weather Service
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • Meteorological Service of Canada
  • v
  • t
  • e
Severe weather terminology in the United States
Severe
storms
Thunderstorm
  • Advisory
  • Watch
  • PDS watch
  • Warning
Tornado
  • Watch
  • PDS watch
  • Warning
  • PDS warning
  • Emergency
Marine thunderstorm
  • Special marine warning
Winter
weather
Advisories
Winter storm
Blizzard/blowing snow
Heavy snow
Lake-effect snow
Snow squall
Ice
Avalanche
  • Warning
  • Watch
  • Advisory
Tropical
cyclones
Tropical storms
Hurricanes
Typhoons
Cyclones
  • Watch
  • Warning
Storm surge
Flood
Flood
  • Watch
  • Warning
  • Advisory
  • Flash flood
    Coastal flood
    Lakeshore flood
    • Warning
    • Advisory
    • Watch
    • Statement
    River flood
    Urban and small stream flood
    Apparent
    temperature
    Heat index
    Wind chill
    Extreme cold
    Freeze
    Maritime
    and
    coastal
    weather
    Marine winds
    Gale
    Storm
    Hurricane-force wind
    Hazardous seas
    Freezing spray
    High surfWind
    Advisory-force winds
    Gale-force winds
    Major hurricane-force winds
    Airborne
    particulates
    Dust/sand
    Fog/Smoke
    Ash
    Air pollution
    FireAviationWeather scales
    used by NWS
    OtherTsunami