Weather Words: Winter Storm Vs Ice Storm

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While a winter storm and ice storm are both wintertime hazards, the impacts can be very different.

A winter storm is when heavy snow is expected. The National Weather Service (NWS) may issue a winter storm watch, warning or advisory ahead of the storm so you can anticipate the impacts. The criteria for these warnings to be issued will vary on location. For example, the threshold for a winter storm warning is much different in Texas than it would be in North Dakota.

A winter storm can be accompanied by heavy snow, gusty winds that blow the snow around, reducing visibility and the possibility of blizzard conditions. During a winter storm, there could be airport delays and very dangerous to impossible driving conditions.

Only half an inch of ice is needed to break power lines, even less for some tree branches. Just like winter storms, ice storm watches, advisories and warnings will be issued ahead of the storm.

It’s incredibly important to know which storm type your area is being warned for: winter storm vs ice storm. This is because the hazards will be different and the way you prepare will also be different.

J​ennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.