There are some changes to the way winter warnings are issued in Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – There are some changes to the way the National Weather Service issues some of our winter warnings.

One of the changes concerns the frost/freeze warnings, as the advisories and warnings are only issued between May 1st and September 30th.

Tennessee implements these dates as a growing season and to highlight a more unusual period of colder weather.

One caveat is that people throughout southeastern Kentucky are excluded from the changes because the state of Kentucky has not adopted the new method.

“Tennessee is holding on to these peak growing season dates, and Kentucky has yet to commit to them, but depending on how well that goes, things could change for them in the future,” warned National Weather Service Coordinating Meteorologist Morristown Anthony Cavallucci said .

So if you're looking for an extra reminder, turn on the WVLT First Alert Weather app because we'll give you the First Alert for colder temperatures.

It's not just frost/freeze warnings that are changing, as wind chill advisories and warnings are no longer available.

In its place are extreme cold warnings and warnings. This combines both the freezing temperatures and the wind chill.

“We went from a wind chill warning to extreme cold,” Cavallucci said. “So warning of extreme cold and warning of extreme cold.” Then there is a danger to life, especially in the warning situation. But we will not issue these unless the temperature drops to zero degrees or much lower.”

Cold warnings are issued when temperatures are close to 5 degrees, the extreme cold warning is issued when the temperature is 5 degrees below zero or colder.

“Winter weather, when we talk about warnings, develops more slowly, but you can still prepare in advance,” Cavallucci said. “Then you want to buy all the bread and all the milk during the winter storm watch, not during the warning.”

The criteria for winter storm watches and warnings remains the same, but for those in East Tennessee, it's something to keep an eye on as the cold season approaches.

Copyright 2024 WVLT. All rights reserved.