(WIFR) – For the first time since 2014, the Storm Prediction Center changes how it will warn people about severe weather threats.
WIFR Chief Meteorologist Kira Miner breaks down the changes as part of a series of special Shelter from the Storm episodes airing each day during Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
Severe Weather Preparedness Week runs Monday, March 2 through Friday, March 6, 2026.
What is staying the same
The SPC’s color-coded system to denote severe risk categories will stay the same. They are:
- Level 1 = Green, marginal risk
- Level 2 = Yellow, slight risk
- Level 3 = Orange, enhanced risk
- Level 4 = Red, moderate risk
- Level 5 = Pink, High risk
What’s changing
The new outlook keeps the same color and threat level, but introduces intensity levels within each hazardous outlook…