Understanding Storm Risk Categories

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

Just like tornadoes and hurricanes NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has a category ranking for thunderstorms.  Since thunderstorms are the most frequent type of storm event in our area an understanding of the risk categories is critical to ensure your safety.

There are six categories as recognized by NOAA’s storm prediction center:

THUNDERSTORMS-(Labeled in Light Green on their Chart).  This category means general non-severe weather.

1-MARGINAL-(Labeled Dark Green on their Chart) Marginal risk means there could be  isolated severe storms in your region but the duration and the coverage areas are limited.

2-SLIGHT- (Labeled Yellow on their Chart) Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible.  They will usually be short lived, isolated and intense.

3-ENHANCED- (Labeled Orange on their Chart) Enhanced risk means a greater area of severe storm coverage is possible.  It will be widespread and more persistent

4-MODERATE (Labeled Red on their Cart) This means widespread severe storms are likely and the duration of these storms can be long-lived.

5-HIGH (Labeled Purple on their Chart) These storms are long-lived and widespread. The risk of severe storms is high and most associated with a tornado outbreak

Understanding the severe thunderstorm risk category is important in keeping your family safe.  For more information visit the National Weather Service at  www.NOAA.gov.