PENNSYLVANIA, USA — The Stormtracker 16 Team is improving the way we communicate weather to you, our viewers.
Weather impacts everyone. Especially if you're out in your backyard.
That's why we're helping you plan ahead with Stormtracker 16 Weather Impact Alert Days.
Our focus is on looking ahead to those high-impact days and alerting our viewers about WHEN they're coming, the IMPACT of the weather event, and what they NEED to do to stay safe.
When the Stormtracker 16 team declares a Weather Impact Alert Day, it will be noted in red on the 7-day Forecast board.
If the Alert extends for more than one day, those other days will also be in red.
The Stormtracker 16 Team will, of course, issue Weather Impact Alert Days for high-impact weather days. But Weather Impact Alert Days go beyond severe storms.
Our meteorologists will be alerting many nuisance weather events that might alter your plans for the day.
What is a Weather Impact Alert Day?
The Stormtracker 16 team has developed criteria for determining when to issue a Weather Impact Alert Day.
In some instances, these alerts will coincide with advisories and alerts put out by the National Weather Service.
Heat
- High temperature at or above 90 degrees
- Three 90-degree days in a row (Official Heatwave)
- Heat index at or above 95 degrees
Winter
- Temperature at or below 20 degrees for 3 straight days
- Wind chill at or below zero
- Any type of wintry precipitation (snow, sleet, freezing rain)
Wind
- Sustained winds over 25 mph
- Wind gusts over 40 mph
Precipitation
- If coverage is 50% and above between 5am-9pm
- If coverage is 70% or greater at any time
Severe Weather
- Slight risk or greater for severe weather from Storm Prediction Center
Flooding
- Slight risk or greater for flooding rain from Weather Prediction Center
Tropical
- Any time a named storm has any impact in our viewing area. Impacts include rain, wind, river & stream flooding.
Other Weather-Related Risks
- Fog with zero visibility
- Fire Weather Warning issued for viewing area (common in spring)
- Air quality issues (Smoke)
- A 30+ drop in temperature (especially in the winter)
Stay ahead of the storm and download the WNEP App today.