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What is the criteria of a severe thunderstorm?

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These are storms that produce large hail and/or wind gusts strong enough to cause damage. The National Weather Service has adopted criteria that must be met before a storm is classified as "severe":

  • wind gusts in excess of 57 miles an hour and/or
  • hail with a diameter of at least 3/4 inch (the size of a penny or dime) and/or
  • produces a tornado
Last modified 2004-10-14 09:53 AM