ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- The National Weather Service uses specific winter weather terms to ensure that people know what to expect in the coming days and hours.
A Winter Storm Watch means severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, may affect your area, but its occurrence, location and timing are still uncertain. A winter storm watch is issued to provide 12 to 36 hours notice of the possibility of severe winter weather. A winter storm watch is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set plans in motion can do so.
A watch is upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning when four or more inches of snow or sleet is expected in the next 12 hours, six or more inches in 24 hours or a quarter inch or more of ice is expected to accumulate.
Winter Weather Advisories inform when winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant, and potentially hazardous, inconveniences. If caution is exercised, advisory situations should not become life-threatening.
A Blizzard Warning means snow and strong winds will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility), deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill.
Be sure to listen carefully to the radio, television, and NOAA Weather Radio for the latest winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories.
If Anniston Army Depot Commander Col. Brent Bolander determines there should be a change in work schedules due to road conditions, both on and off depot, the media will be notified.
Employees are advised to listen to local area radio and television stations for the latest information on the depot's operational status.
Please, do not call the radio or TV stations or the depot's emergency operations center or radio room, as this will only further delay the appropriate information being transmitted.
The depot's internal radio station -- AM 1610 -- will carry updated situational messages. However, this station has a limited broadcast radius of three miles. Additionally, employees may call 256-235-SNOW (7669) for the latest operational status of the depot and view updates on Facebook.
Where to get closure/delay information
Local area radio and TV stations that will be requested to provide information to their listeners/viewers on the depot's status are: Radio Stations: WCKA -- AM 810/94.3 FM, WDNG -- AM 1490, WGRW -- 90.7 FM, WTDR -- 92.7 and WVOK -- 97.9 FM; TV Stations: WJSU -- ABC 33-40, WBRC -- Fox 6, WVTM -- NBC 13 and WIAT -- CBS 42. Newspapers: The Anniston Star will also post information on their website at www.annistonstar.com.
For additional winter weather information, visit the Winter/Severe Weather Awareness web page on the ANAD homepage or call the SNOW line at 256-235-SNOW (7669).
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