Weather Tidbits: Winter Storm Warning Criteria

In this edition of weather tidbits, we’ll be discussing Winter Storm Warning criteria. The Winter Storm Warning criteria varies across the different regions of the United States. This is because different regions have different tolerance levels for snow and various ways of handling snow. For example, the states along the gulf coast are not as equipped to handle the snow as New England. Consequently, the minimum snowfall needed to issue a Winter Storm Warning is much less than in New England. Along the immediate Gulf coast, a minimum of 1-2″ of snow is needed for a Winter Storm Warning to be issued. In New England, over half a foot of snow is needed. In Delmarva, the northern half of the peninsula needs at least 5 inches. The southern half needs 3–4″ at minimum.