NWS Missoula - Severe Weather Spotter Network

Severe Weather Products - Winter

NWS Product	Actions to be Taken
Blizzard WARNING	Take IMMEDIATE ACTION; Life-threatening blizzard conditions are occurring or are imminent. Any travel in the warning area is strongly discouraged. IF YOU LEAVE THE SAFETY OF INDOORS, YOU WILL PUT YOUR LIFE AT RISK.
High Wind WARNING	Take IMMEDIATE ACTION; High Winds are imminent or occurring. High profile vehicles may become dangerous or prohibited on specific roadways. Be prepared for areas of suddenly reduced visibility due to blowing snow.
Winter Storm WARNING	Take IMMEDIATE ACTION; Dangerous winter weather is occurring or is imminent. If you must travel or need to be outdoors, take necessary equipment and supplies for winter survival. Be prepared for hazardous driving conditions. Carry extra clothing and supplies in case your car becomes disabled or you become stranded.
Flash Flood or Flood WARNING	Take IMMEDIATE ACTION; a Flood or Flash Flood is occurring or is imminent. If you are in a low area, especially near a creek, stream, or river, get to higher ground immediately. Never attempt to cross a running creek, stream, or river (on foot or in a vehicle) during a Flood or Flash Flood event.
Winter Storm WATCH High Wind WATCH Flood or Flash Flood WATCH	Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or any other weather information source. A WATCH for any of the above phenomena means that conditions are favorable for severe weather and a warning may be issued.

Severe Weather Products - Spring and Summer

NWS Product	Actions to be Taken
Severe Thunderstorm WARNING	Take IMMEDIATE ACTION; a Severe Thunderstorm is occurring or imminent. Remain indoors or in an automobile. If outdoors, avoid natural lightning rods such as tall lone trees and telephone or power poles. Avoid projecting above the surrounding landscape, such as standing on a hilltop.
Flood or Flash Flood WARNING	Take IMMEDIATE ACTION; a Flood or Flash Flood is occurring or is imminent. If you are in a low area, especially near a creek, stream, or river, get to higher ground immediately. Never attempt to cross a running creek, stream, or river (on foot or in a vehicle) during a Flood or Flash Flood event.
High Wind WARNING	Take IMMEDIATE ACTION; High Winds are imminent or occurring. High profile vehicles may become dangerous or prohibited on specific roadways. Be prepared for areas of suddenly reduced visibility due to blowing dust.
Tornado WARNING	Take IMMEDIATE ACTION; a Tornado is occurring or is imminent. If you are indoors, stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls. Go immediately to an interior room on the lowest level, ideally a basement. If you are outdoors, in a vehicle, or in a mobile home, leave and seek shelter in a reinforced building. If shelter is not available, lie flat in the nearest ravine or ditch with your hands shielding your head.
Severe Thunderstorm WATCH Flood or Flash Flood WATCH High Wind WATCH Tornado WATCH	Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or any other weather information source. A WATCH means that conditions are favorable for severe weather and a warning may be issued.