What Is a Severe Thunderstorm?
Definition
A thunderstorm is considered severe when it contains at least one of the following characteristics:
- Tornado
- Hail one inch or larger
- Wind gusts of 58 miles per hour or greater
Prevalence
Thunderstorms are a common occurrence worldwide, with thousands happening at any given moment.
Distinction Between Watch and Warning
Watch
A watch indicates that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop in a specific area.
Warning
A warning means that severe thunderstorms have been detected or are imminent in a specific location.
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