What
Is Severe Weather?
Large Hail:
Severe thunderstorms often produce large hail.
Such hail has been known to damage vehicles, crops
and roofs. By large, the National Weather Service
looks for hail that is at least the size of a
penny...or 3/4 inch in diameter.
Damaging Winds
Severe thunderstorms also produce damaging winds
on occasion. These winds have downed trees, large
tree limbs and power lines. Some structural damage
has also resulted. Wind speeds of 58 mph or greater
are considered severe.
Tornadoes
Not surprisingly, tornadoes (whether they cause
damage or not) are considered severe.
Tornado Watches: Watches imply that the
weather threat in question is possible. Forecasters
have determined that the threat may occur given
trends shown by the latest data. Watches are
usually broad in scope.
Tornado Warnings: Warnings imply that
the severe weather threat in question is imminent.
Forecasters have determined that the threat
will occur given trends shown by the latest
data. Warnings are narrow in scope...and issued
on a county by county basis.
How
do you receive watches and warnings from the National
Weather Service (NWS)? The NWS has its own radio
network with weather information presented 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. NOAA Weather Radio
is considered the voice of the National Weather
Service.