There are multiple types of weather, ranging from a nice and clear day to a large wedge EF-5 Tornado about to impact a large populated area. No matter what is happening, weather is occurring around us, and it is important for us to understand the weather so we can take the proper precautions. One example that gets thrown around a lot is the term "Severe weather" or "Severe Thunderstorm".
Before we begin, it is important to know the various government organizations that are responsible for issuing weather-related watches and warnings.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is responsible for issuing warnings, while the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is responsible for issuing watches, convective outlooks, and fire weather outlooks. The Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) oversees the NWS and SPC as well as other organizations such as the NOAA Space Environment Center.
The NWS has 122 offices spread out across the nation, but they are headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland. These offices are known by their 3 letter abbreviation, also known as their "call signs". The NWS currently has over 4,000 employees. The SPC has one location which is currently located in Norman, Oklahoma, and has 43 employees.
The NWS sends out weather balloons twice a day, the first one being at or around 6:00-7:00 AM and the last one being at or around 6:00-7:00 PM. If the NWS finds concerning weather conditions, they will contact the SPC with their findings to get a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch issued. When a watch is issued, that means that Severe Weather is possible. If the Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch gets issued, it is up to the NWS to issue warnings for the storms that eventually form.
The National Weather Service has different definitions for different weather events. In the case for a storm to be considered "severe", it must meet or exceed the following requirements:
- 1" in Diamiater or Larger Sized Hail or
- Wind gusts that meet or exceed 58mph or
- Is currently producing a tornado
There are also other classifications of Severe Weather that the NWS uses, which includes but are not limited to:
- Flash Flooding
- Flooding
- Tornado
There are 3 types of tornado warnings, which are:
- Tornado Warning (Standard warning; tornado iminent or possible)
- PDS Tornado Warning (Particularly Dangerous Situation; Tornado spotted on the ground)
- Tornado Emergancy (Large dangerous tornado headed towards a populated area)
Regardless of type of Tornado Warning, you should take shelter in any situation where a Tornado Warning is issued for your area.