Weather is complex and how the information is conveyed to the public can be even more difficult to understand. Stormopedia gives you information on all the official National Weather Service (NWS) watches, warnings and advisories. It will help you develop a better knowledge of the terms used by NWS and in weather forecasts and discussions. This in turn, will help you understand the information better and allow you to make more informed decisions about travel, outdoor activities and sports.

• Glossary of Terms
  Use the glossary to get a definition to any word you might not or have questions about. The glossary covers weather words from the simple to the complex.

• Explanation of NWS Terms
  The NWS uses a multi-tiered system for forecasting hazardous weather. The alerts issued range from outlooks (for long lead time) to advisories and warnings (for periods of 2 days or less).

• Products
  How does the NWS issue advisories? What advisories are issued to keep you informed of hazardous and dangerous weather?

• Safety and Preparedness Information
  Do you know what to do when a watch, warning or advisory is issued? Learn where to go and what to do when severe weather threatens.

• How and Why Does Severe Weather Occur
  How do tornadoes form? Where and when do hurricanes form? Learn about severe weather and events in this section.

• StormDisplay
  See what watches and warnings are in effect right now. Read what statements the NWS have issued to protect people from severe weather.