TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Predicting the exact timing and location of severe thunderstorms is impossible. That’s why the Storm Prediction Center issues what are called convective outlooks. These include six color-coded categories of Severe Thunderstorm Risks. They identify broad locations where severe weather could develop.
The first of the six categories is in light green. This is the general thunderstorm category. This means that there is a 10% or higher probability of non-severe or near-severe thunderstorms.
For a thunderstorm to be considered severe, it must have one or all of the following criteria:
- Winds at 58 mph or higher
- Hail size that is at least 1” in diameter
- Or a tornado
The following storm risks now cover the risk for severe storms and are understood as levels 1 through 5. The higher the level, the more confidence there is in…..