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The above graphic from the National Weather Service defines Severe Thunderstorm Risk Categories.
Thunderstorms – No severe* thunder storms expected
Lightning/flooding threats exist with all thunderstorms
- Winds to 40 mph
- small hail
1 – Marginal (MRGL) -Â Isolated severe thunderstorms possible
Limited in duration and/or coverage and/or intensity
- Winds 40-60 mph
- Hail up to 1″
- Low tornado risk
2 – Slight (SLGT) – Scattered severe storms possible
Short-lived and/or not widespread, isolated intense storms possible
- One or two tornadoes
- Reports of strong winds/wind damage
- Hail ~ 1″, isolated 2″
3 – Enhanced (ENH) – Numerous severe storms possible
Numerous severe storms possible
- A few tornadoes
- Several reports of wind damage
- Damaging hail, 1-2″
4 – Moderate (MDT) – Widespread severe storms likely
Long-lived, widespread and intense
- Strong tornadoes
- Widespread wind damage
- Destructive hail, 2″+
5 – High (HIGH) – Widespread severe storms expected
Long-lived, very widespread and particularly intense
- Tornado outbreak
- Derecho
* NWS defines a severe thunderstorm as measured wind gusts up to and at least 58 mph and/or hail to at least one inch in diameter, and/or a tornado. All thunderstorm categories imply lightning and the potential for flooding. Categories are also tied to the probability of a severe weather event within 25 miles of your location.