CAT Model
CAT Model Map
Our CAT Model map displays current, potential CAT issues including NWS warnings & hazards as well as severe weather issues.
Severe Weather & CAT Issues
Severe weather is any dangerous meteorological phenomenon with the potential to cause damage, serious social disruption, or loss of human life. Types of severe weather phenomena vary, depending on the latitude, altitude, topography, and atmospheric conditions. High winds, hail, excessive precipitation, and wildfires are forms and effects of severe weather, as are thunderstorms, downbursts, tornadoes, waterspouts, tropical cyclones, and extratropical cyclones. Regional and seasonal severe weather phenomena include blizzards (snowstorms), ice storms, and duststorms. Extreme weather phenomena which cause extreme heat, cold, wetness or drought often will bring severe weather events.
NWS Warnings & Hazards
The National Weather Service (NWS) is an organization that relies heavily on science, partnerships, and ties to local communities to successfully provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. The NWS works with many partners, including those from national and local government, members of the weather enterprise, Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors, and Academia to help educate people in all communities on how to stay safe and ensure important weather information, such as warnings, reach the broadest possible audience.
Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts
Data is pulled from the Weather Prediction Center (WPC).
The beginnings of WPC can be traced back to 1942 with the establishment of the Weather Bureau Analysis Center in an effort to coordinate with civil meteorological facilities and services for World War II purposes. In 1958, the center became part of the National Meteorological Center (NMC). The center underwent several name changes and reorganizations, eventually becoming the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) in 1995 and the Weather Predication Center (WPC) in 2013. The center is continually evolving to serve customers in the most efficient and effective manner. WPC is a center of excellence in the prediction of high-impact precipitation events. Our forecast domain covers the entire continental United States (CONUS) as well as Alaska and Hawaii.
CAT Issues & Severe Weather Map
Preparing for Severe Weather
Severe weather can happen anytime, in any part of the country. Severe weather can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds.
During A Severe Storm
When thunder roars, go indoors! Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof.
Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.
Avoid running water.
Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
During A Flood
Evacuate immediately, if told to evacuate. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
Contact your healthcare provider If you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
During Winter Weather
Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.
Ready.Gov
Ready.Gov is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. It is maintained by The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
It is an excellent resource for information on emergency preparation and preparedness.
Severe Weather Dashboard
National Weather Service Watch / Warning / Advisory Definitions
The following are the NWS definitions for the various Watches/Warnings provided by the CAT Model Map
Air Quality Alert
An air quality alert is issued when there are elevated levels of ozone or pollutants are expected to be in the unhealthy range for sensitive groups.
Beach Hazards Statement
A Beach Hazards Statement is issued on days when a significant number of boats and paddle craft are expected to be out on the water and when warm air temperatures may cause people to underestimate the danger of the cold water.
Blizzard Warning
A Blizzard Warning means that the following conditions are occurring or expected within the next 12 to 18 hours.
Snow and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for 3 hours or longer and,
Sustained winds of 35 mph or greater or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater.
There is no temperature requirement that must be met to achieve blizzard conditions.
Coastal Flood Advisory
A Coastal Flood Advisory is issued when minor or nuisance coastal flooding is occurring or imminent.
Coastal Flood Warning
A Coastal Flood Warning is issued when moderate to major coastal flooding is occurring or imminent. This flooding will pose a serious risk to life and property.
Coastal Flood Watch
A Coastal Flood Watch is issued when moderate to major coastal flooding is possible. Such flooding would potentially pose a serious risk to life and property.
Dense Fog Advisory
A Dense Fog Advisory is issued when widespread fog is expected to reduce visibilities to 1/4 mile or less over a large area for an extended period of time (2 or more hours).
Excessive Heat Warning
An Excessive Heat Warning is issued when the heat index value is expected to reach or exceed 105 degrees within the next 12 to 24 hours. An Excessive Heat Warning may be issued for lower criteria if it is early in the season or during a multi-day heat wave.
Excessive Heat Watch
An Excessive Heat Watch is issued when there is a potential for the heat index value to reach or exceed 105 degrees within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Extreme Wind Warning
An Extreme Wind Warning is issued for surface winds of 100 knots (115 MPH) or greater associated with non-convective, downslope, derecho (NOT associated with a tornado), or sustained hurricane winds are expected to occur within one hour.
Fire Weather Watch
A Fire Weather Watch is issued to alert fire officials and firefighters of potentially dangerous fire weather conditions within the next 24 to 36 hours. They are issued when the following three criteria are met:
Surface relative humidity (RH) less than 30 %
Sustained surface wind of 20 MPH or greater
10-hour fuel moisture less than 8%
Flash Flood Warning
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flash Flood Watch
A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flood Warning
A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood Watch
A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Freeze Warning
A Freeze Warning is issued when significant, widespread freezing temperatures are expected.
A Freeze Warning is issued in the autumn until the end of the growing season (marked by the occurrence of first widespread freeze). A Freeze Warning is issued in the spring at the start of the growing season (when it is late enough to cause damage to new plants and crops).
Freeze Watch
A Freeze Watch is issued when there is a potential for significant, widespread freezing temperatures within the next 24-36 hours.
A Freeze Watch is issued in the autumn until the end of the growing season (marked by the occurrence of first widespread freeze). A Freeze Watch is issued in the spring at the start of the growing season (when it is late enough to cause damage to new plants and crops).
Frost Advisory
A Frost Advisory is issued when the minimum temperature is forecast to be 33 to 36 degrees on clear and calm nights during the growing season.
A Frost Advisory is issued in the autumn until the end of the growing season (marked by the occurrence of first widespread freeze). A Frost Advisory is issued in the spring at the start of the growing season (when it is late enough to cause damage to new plants and crops).
Gale Warning
Gale Warnings are issued for the coastal areas when one or both of the following conditions is expected to begin within 36 hours and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone:
sustained winds of 34 knots to 47 knots
frequent gusts (duration of two or more hours) between 34 knots and 47 knots.
Hazardous Seas Watch
A Hazardous Seas Watch is issued by the National Weather Service of the United States when there is an increased threat of high wave heights and/or wave steepness values reach a certain criteria, but the occurrence, timing, and/or location are still uncertain, though the area of concern is known.
Hazardous Weather Outlook
The Hazardous Weather Outlook will describe potential hazardous weather and hydrologic information of concern in Days 1 through 7. The outlook contains two segments: One segment for the marine zones and adjacent land-based (i.e., coastal) zones and the other segment for the rest of the land-based zones. Each segment of the HWO will contain 3 sections: short term through Day 1, long term for Days 2-7, and spotter information.
Heat Advisory
A Heat Advisory is issued when the heat index value is expected to reach 100 to 104 degrees within the next 12 to 24 hours. A Heat Advisory may be issued for lower criteria if it is early in the season or during a multi-day heat wave.
High Wind Warning
A High Wind Warning is issued when the following conditions are expected:
sustained winds of 40 mph or higher for one hour or more, or
wind gusts of 58 mph or higher for any duration.
High Wind Watch
A High Wind Watch is issued when the following conditions are possible:
sustained winds of 40 mph or higher for one hour or more, or
wind gusts of 58 mph or higher for any duration.
Hurricane Force Wind Warning
Hurricane Force Wind Warnings are issued when one or both of the following conditions is expected to begin within 36 hours and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone:
sustained winds of 64 knots or greater
frequent gusts (duration of two or more hours) of 64 knots or greater
Hurricane Warning
A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 64 kt (74 mph) or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
Hurricane Watch
A Hurricane Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 64 kt (74 mph) or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.
The watch does not mean that hurricane conditions will occur. It only means that these conditions are possible.
Hydrologic Outlook
Hydrologic Outlooks are issued to provide information on hydro-meteorological conditions which could cause flooding in the near term, generally within 1-7 days.
Ice Storm Warning
¼ inch or more of ice accumulation.
Lake Wind Advisory
A lake wind advisory is issued by the United States National Weather Service local forecast offices when windy conditions on area lakes are expected to be hazardous for boaters and other recreational events on or around lakes.
Red Flag Warning
A Red Flag Warning is issued to alert fire officials and firefighters of potentially dangerous fire weather conditions within the next 12 to 24 hours. They are issued when the following three criteria are met:
Surface relative humidity (RH) less than 30 %
Sustained surface wind of 20 MPH or greater
10-hour fuel moisture less than 8%
Rip Current Statement
A rip current statement is a warning statement issued when there is a high threat of rip currents due to weather and ocean conditions.
River Flood Warning
A River Flood Warning is issued when river flooding is occurring or imminent at one or more forecast points along a river.
River Flood Watch
A River Flood Watch is issued when river flooding is possible at one or more forecast points along a river.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area. Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
Winds of 58 mph or higher, and/or
Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible. Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
Winds of 58 mph or higher, and/or
Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisories are issued when one or more of the following conditions is expected to begin within 36 hours:
sustained winds of 18 knots to 33 knots
frequent gusts (duration of two or more hours) between 18 knots and 33 knots.
waves of 4 feet or higher
Special Marine Warning
A warning of potentially hazardous weather conditions of short duration (up to 2 hours) affecting areas that are not adequately covered by existing marine warnings and producing one or more of the following:
Sustained marine convective winds (showers/thunderstorms) or associated gusts of 34 knots or greater
Hail three quarters of an inch or more in diameter
Waterspouts
Storm Warning
Storm Warnings are issued when one or both of the following conditions is expected to begin within 36 hours and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone:
sustained winds of 48 knots to 63 knots
frequent gusts (duration of two or more hours) of 48 knots to 63 knots
Tornado Warning
A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.
Tornado Watch
A Tornado Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible. Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
Winds of 58 mph or higher, and/or
Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger
Tropical Storm Warning
A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 34 to 63 kt (39 to 73 mph) or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.
Tropical Storm Watch
A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 34 to 63 kt (39 to 73 mph) or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.
The watch does not mean that tropical storm conditions will occur. It only means that these conditions are possible.
Wind Advisory
A Wind Advisory is issued when one or both of the following conditions are expected:
sustained winds of 31 to 39 mph for an hour or more.
wind gusts of 46 to 57 mph for any duration.
Wind Chill Advisory
A Wind Chill Advisory is issued when wind chills of -5F to -19F are expected.
Wind Chill Warning
A Wind Chill Warning is issued when wind chills of -20F or lower are expected.
Winter Storm Warning
A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent. Significant and hazardous winter weather is defined as a combination of one or more of the following:
5 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or 7 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period
Enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or powerlines.
A life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind.
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It does not mean that significant and hazardous winter weather will occur, only that it is possible. Significant and hazardous winter weather is defined as a combination of one or more of the following:
5 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or 7 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period
Enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or powerlines.
A life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind.
Winter Weather Advisory
A Winter Weather Advisory will be issued for any amount of freezing rain, or when 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning.
If the event is expected to impact metro areas during rush hours (4-9 am or 2-7 pm on weekdays) forecasted snow totals of one inch will necessitate the issuance of a winter weather advisory.