When we talk about severe weather, we are referring to hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms. These hazardous conditions may include damaging winds, flash flooding, hail, and tornadoes.
A thunderstorm must meet at least one of the following qualifications to be considered severe:
The Storm Prediction Center issues a specific level of risk for the areas affected by severe weather. A level 1 is the lowest risk, and a level 5 is the greatest risk for severe weather. The diagram below outlines each level of risk and what can be expected within each level.
Here are a list of watches and warnings that are common in our area when severe weather strikes, as well as what they mean and the proper action that should be taken when they are issued. ]