This week is the National Severe Preparedness Week! In order to get you all ready for the storm season, I thought I would theme this week's blog posts as "Severe Weather". We will be continuing your Severe Preparedness Week with a lesson about severe thunderstorms!
So what is a thunderstorm? By definition a thunderstorm is a rain shower that has both thunder and lighting. A thunderstorm becomes severe when it produces one inch or larger in diameter hail, and/or winds equal or exceeding 58 miles per hour and/or is producing a tornado.
I know sometimes it can be confusing deciphering what the difference between a watch and a warning are, so I put the definitions below with what it all actually means.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: A watch is issued by the Storm Prediction Center which is part of the National Weather Service. They issue a watch when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. They are normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. A "Watch" means that you should be alert for severe weather later in the day or night.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A warning is issued by your local National Weather Service Office. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when the Doppler Radar or storm spotter has reported hail larger than one inch, winds equal or exceeding 58 miles per hour, or a tornado has been spotted. A "Warning" means that a severe storm is occurring and heading in your direction. At this time you should take shelter while the storm passes.
Photo From:
srh.noaa.gov
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