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Severe storm season has arrived and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has started to issue severe weather outlooks.

A severe storm is defined of having wind gusts of at least 58 mph, hail of at least one inch in diameter, or the presence of a tornado. Each severe storm category the SPC issues defines a probability of a severe storm striking within 25 miles of a location.

There are six different categories, so let’s look at what exactly each category means.

Thunderstorms (no label): while there is a general risk for thunderstorms, containing lightning and possibly heavy rain, no severe threats such as large hail, damaging wind gusts, or tornadoes are expected.
Marginal Risk: issued when isolated severe thunderstorms are possible. Being short-lived or very sporadic in nature, just a few thunderstorms can deliver threats that reach severe potential.
Slight Risk: entails severe thunderstorms expected to be a bit more numerous than a marginal risk. While still not widespread, scattered severe thunderstorms may occur, with an isolated intense thunderstorm, well-surpassing severe threshold possible.
Enhanced Risk: coincides with the potential for widespread severe thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms may also be longer-lived, and a few intense severe storms are expected.
Moderate Risk: there is a good potential for a severe weather outbreak. Several intense severe thunderstorms are typical, with many lasting for long periods of time.
High Risk: the most extreme severe storm category that can be issued. Highly intense severe thunderstorms are expected for much of the risk zone. These risks are issued rarely and indicate very dangerous storms are expected to develop.

Next time you are in a risk zone for severe storms, know how to interpret the risk so you can prepare for the level of severe storm potential in your area.

Source: weather.gov
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Story Image: A High Risk was issued on March 17, 2021 by the SPC for much of the Mid-South (spc.noaa.gov).

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Severe Thunderstorm Risk Categories Defined