Not every thunderstorm is a severe thunderstorm. For a thunderstorm to be considered severe it has to have one of the following:
- Hail one inch in diameter or greater.
- Winds greater than 58 mph.
- Tornado.
If the criteria are met then the National Weather Service out of State College or Pittsburgh will issue the watch or warning for Central PA.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued in advance of a thunderstorm event. A severe thunderstorm watch means that the ingredients are present and a thunderstorm could turn severe at any time.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that a thunderstorm has produced one or more of the following criteria listed above.
A thunderstorm doesn’t have to be severe for them to be dangerous. Thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, damaging winds, and hail. If you come across a road that is covered underwater do not drive through it. You do not know the condition of the road.
