Severe Weather week...

Hi Folks;

It is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin and Minnesota. A statewide tornado drill is planned for Thursday, April 24th at about 1 PM, unless severe weather threatens that day. If so the test will be moved to Friday.

What is the definition of a severe thunderstorm?

a. a peak gust of 58 mph or higher...
b. Hail 3/4 of an inch or bigger...
c. a tornado

The most common type of thunderstorm wind gust is called a "straight line wind" gust.

A downburst, according to the National Weather Service, is a localized area of extreme wind damage.

Large hail is usually a property damage concern, but can be life-threatening is one is caught outdoors in a large hail storm.

The best thing to do is to get indoors if a severe thunderstorm approaches. Be sure to watch News 19 for severe weather coverage.

Dan Breeden
News 19 Chief Meteorologist