Weather Wednesday: Severe Weather

Yahoo

26-03-2025

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — With last week being severe-weather awareness week, it is important to understand the basics of severe weather to keep you and your loved ones safe during a severe weather event. There are certain terms you will hear us meteorologists use during severe weather threats.
Two of the most common terms meteorologists use during these weather events are Watches and Warnings. Both have different criteria and terms. For example, with a Watch, you are alerted to monitor weather conditions and stay informed about the forecast. A Warning is more urgent and calls for action to be taken immediately. Look at how both are determined and what you should do for each Watch and Warning below:
Severe Thunderstorms:
Living in Michigan, we are no stranger to thunderstorms, which, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), is a 'rain bearing cloud that also produces lightning.' All thunderstorms are considered dangerous; however, for it to be classified as a severe thunderstorm, it must have at least one of the following characteristics: hail that is one inch in diameter or larger and/or wind gusts of at least 60 miles per hour or stronger.
Hail at that size combined with wind gusts upwards of 60+ mph can cause damage to property such as cars, house siding, and even rooftops. These severe thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes if all the right ingredients are present. It is important to note that a severe thunderstorm is not defined by the frequency of lightning or the amount of rain it produces.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs Warning:
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that the ingredients for severe weather are present and could create severe storms or even tornadoes. When you look at our weather maps or a map from the NWS, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch will be in a pink color. Watches are typically issued hours in advance and allow you time to prepare and adjust your plans should severe weather hit.
Sometimes, the ingredients needed for severe weather never come together, and all we get is a heavy downpour compared to a severe thunderstorm. Yes, the severity of the weather is less, but during a warning, you should still take it seriously, as severe weather is still possible.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued several minutes before severe weather is incoming, especially for smaller and more active storms. When you look at our weather maps or a map from the NWS, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be an orange color. This means that a storm is happening and that a spotter or radar indicates that severe wind gusts of at least 60 mph or more and large hail are present.
When you hear that there is a Severe Thunderstorm Warning in your area, you should take action and get inside and away from windows. You should also continue to monitor the forecast for updates and changes to the warning. Updates will be available on your local TV station, one of the WLNS apps (6News or StormTracker 6), or weather radio.
Tornadoes:
Michiganders are no stranger to tornadoes either. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year. Last year, Michigan experienced an outbreak of four tornadoes that caused widespread damage across four counties. Since 1977, severe weather has caused about seventy percent of Michigan's disasters and emergencies, which has resulted in loss of property and life.
Tornado Watch/Warning:
A Tornado Watch, like the severe thunderstorm watch, means that the ingredients for tornadoes are present, and it could occur over the day, typically between 4 and 8 hours.
According to the National Weather Service, watches can cover a large area, with several cities, counties and states.
When you look at our weather maps or even a map from the NWS, a Tornado Watch will be in a yellow color. While tornadoes might not happen, it is still a good idea to adjust plans and be prepared for any severe weather.
A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar. It means that it is happening now and may be in your area soon. When you look at our weather maps or even a map from the NWS, a Tornado Warning will be in red.
If a Tornado Warning has been issued, you need to take action and find shelter immediately. Get to the lowest level or most interior part of your home to protect yourself from debris. While you are in the lowest level of your home, continue to monitor the forecast for updates and changes to the warning. Updates will be available on your local TV station, one of the WLNS apps (6News or StormTracker 6), or weather radio.
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