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National Weather Service alert criteria for the DC region

What all those watches, warnings and advisories really mean.

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The DC region experiences many different varieties of severe weather. Here's a look at how the different alerts for severe weather are defined. Some annual severe weather statistics are also included below.

National Weather Service alert definitions

Criteria for alerts issued by the Weather Service office serving the DC area. Select a category or search to view a definition.

Select a definition above to view details.
Severe weather warnings – Washington region

Ian Livingston

Ian Livingston

Information lead with two decades as a pro forecaster. Data journalist covering national and international weather and climate.

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