NWS makes changes to how Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued

MIAMI VALLEY — The National Weather Service has implemented a change in how severe thunderstorm warnings are issued and communicated. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings now come in three tiers: base, considerable, and destructive. Severe thunderstorms that are stronger than a typical severe thunderstorm will be categorized as “considerable” or “destructive.”

>> Montgomery County commissioners authorize emergency bridge closure due to unsafe conditions

Severe thunderstorms deemed “destructive” will now trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts, which are the alerts that are sent to cell phones for emergencies like Amber Alerts, tornado warnings and flash flood warnings. The alerts will be sent to those in the areas impacted.

Each tier has specific criteria.

>> Oregon District Shooting: 2 years later

A severe thunderstorm categorized “considerable” is one that contains winds of 70 miles per hour and/or golf ball sized hail. A severe thunderstorm categorized as “destructive” may contain winds of 80 miles per hour and/or baseball sized hail.

The National Weather service will only categorize the strongest of storms as “destructive.” These alerts will be rare. If you happen to receive one of these alerts in the coming months or years, know that the storm is serious and that you need to seek shelter in a sturdy structure immediately.

©2021 Cox Media Group