Definition

• A Winter Weather Advisory is issued whenever the NWS predicts 4 to 6 inches of snow, sleet or freezing rain within 24 hours, or whenever dangerous levels of ice or blowing snow might hinder travel.
  
  

Function

• A Winter Weather Advisory is meant to warn motorists to stay off of roadways; or, if they must travel, to do so with caution and to allow extra time for the trip.
  
  

History

• Originally, the NWS used the term "Snow Advisory" for winter weather warnings. In 2008, "Snow Advisory" was replaced with "Winter Weather Advisory" to better represent the range of conditions covered under the label.
  
  

Geography

• A Winter Weather Advisory can potentially be issued in any of the 50 states. Most commonly, Winter Weather Advisories are issued in the northeast and midwest states.
  
  

Size

• A Winter Weather Advisory is not the most extreme form of winter weather alert. Powerful winter storms may trigger a Winter Storm Watch or a Winter Storm Warning.