Severe Weather Preparedness: NWS Terms

Severe Weather Terms

    When a severe weather watch or warning is issued, do you know what it means or what you should do?  The National Weather Service uses the following definitions for severe summer storms:

    SEVERE THUNDERSTORM:  A thunderstorm that produces wind gusts of 58 mph or higher and/or hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.  Lightning is NOT a criteria for a severe thunderstorm as ALL thunderstorms contain lightning and should be considered dangerous.

    TORNADO or SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH:  Tornadoes or severe thunderstorms are possible.  The storms have not yet developed or moved into the watch area, so they are issued for a large area and for several hours.  You should get prepared for storms, keep track of weather conditions, and watch for storms approaching your location.

    TORNADO or SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING:  A tornado or severe thunderstorm is imminent–either observed by trained storm spotters or detected on radar.  You need to take shelter immediately!

Image of a typical Severe Thunderstorm WATCH covering portions of                 Image of a typical Tornado WARNING covering a portion of a county
three states for almost eight hours