What is a First Alert Weather Day?

First Alert Hometown Weather is committed to giving you as much time as possible to plan and react to upcoming severe or impactful weather. The ultimate goal for our meteorologists is to communicate that risk as early as possible by issuing a “First Alert Weather Day.” This is our way of giving you as much time as possible to make plans, be adequately prepared, and most importantly, get your attention to remain weather-aware leading up to the disruptive weather. It’s NOT our goal to hype the weather or scare you. Rather, prepare you for what’s ahead, well in advance.

These are a few of the instances where a “First Alert Weather Day” may be issued.

Storm Prediction Center has a majority of our area in a Slight Chance or higher for severe thunderstorms and/or increased tornado risk. This means Level 2, 3, 4 or 5 on the alert scale.
Winter weather or impactful snow and/or ice
Heavy rain or storms that may lead to flooding over a broad area
Continuous rain or flooding that may impact the morning/evening commute
Dangerous fog that is more dense during the commute
Tropical threats (Wind, Flooding Rain, Tornadoes)
Excessive wind events that may lead to downed trees and outages
Dangerous heat or cold

When First Alert Weather Days are issued, there will always be more information on the duration of the event as well as the location of those most impacted. Not all events will last the whole day, nor will all hometowns be impacted equally. The First Alert Weather Day is issued to draw your attention to the day of the event. Here’s our commitment.

ON-AIR

Our 7-Day graphic will show the First Alert Weather Day in red. This may be visible several days leading up to the active weather day to give you advanced notice.

On the actual First Alert Weather Day, our weather graphics will have a distinct, red color to bring attention that today is different, and to pay closer attention.

Weather segments will appear near the beginning of the newscasts to allow meteorologists to give you any updates to the forecast first.

WDBJ7 WEATHER APP

Download the WDBJ7 Weather App to get instant alerts and updates for your hometown. When you open the App you will see any Weather Alert Day highlighted in RED to bring attention to the possible impacts.
Read any alerts, review forecast briefings, and watch videos to assure you have the latest information.

WDBJ7.com

Active Alerts will be in a colored bar at the top of the website. Click for detailed information for your area.
A First Alert Weather Day article will appear at the top of the homepage with forecast details updated throughout the event.
Watch WDBJ7+ for live updates throughout the day on our digital stream and on Facebook Live

Learn more about Severe Weather Safety by visiting our weather resources section.