New Winter Storm Threat Levels Launch Tuesday

This winter, you’re going to hear more about storm threats — now up to a week in advance — with new tools set to be released Tuesday by the National Weather Service.

The graphics will highlight the winter storm threat 4-to-7 days in the future.

The storm warnings and watches that are already provided have been limited to the first three days in the forecast.

Updated twice daily, the graphics will be available from December through mid-April at the weather service’s winter weather page.

“This gives a quick glance to see if there are any extended winter storm threats, using a simple, commonly-used color system. (green, yellow, orange, red, purple),” according to an NWS release.

The system looks at dozens of computer model simulations of the atmosphere, according to the weather service.

As more and more models agree that the region will be hit with a storm, and/or the strength of the possible storm rises, the threat level will rise.

See a more in-depth look at the new winter storm threat levels.

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• 2015-2016 Snow Forecast: StormTeam4

Threat levels and descriptions:

Purple (High): High threat of high impact winter storm.

• Potential impacts include significant travel delays, closures and threats to live and property. Plan ahead to minimize impact on you and your family.

Red (Moderate): Moderate winter storm threat.

• Potential impacts include significant travel delays and closures. Plan ahead to minimize impact on you and your family.

Enhanced (Orange): Enhanced winter storm threat.

• Primary threat is disruption to travel.

Slight (Yellow): Slight winter storm threat.

• May cause travel disruptions, particularly if threat increases.

None: No Significant winter storm threat is currently expected.

• However, light wintery precipitation may still be possible.