We are under a 'Significant Tornado Outlook': Here's what that means
Apr 02, 2025
Severe weather of some kind headed to the Tri-State tonight, and there's one part of our forecast that makes these incoming storms of particular concern: The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has the entire Tri-State under a "Signif
icant Tornado Outlook."Backing up two steps: The Storm Prediction Center is usually responsible for issuing a threat level of incoming severe storms. That threat level is a 1-5 scale, 1 being a concern about a possible severe thunderstorm in the area designated, up to a 5, which means widespread severe weather is expected, including tornadoes, hail and thunderstorms. The western portion of the Tri-State is under a 4, or moderate risk, while the rest of our region is under a 3, or enhanced risk (full map of that, and a full explainer of the SPC scale, is at the bottom of this article). As an added concern, the SPC has also put our entire region under a Significant Tornado Outlook. This means that if a tornado does develop, it has a higher potential to become violent, meaning EF-2 strength or stronger.For context, the storms we had Sunday produced four EF-0 tornadoes, the least powerful type of tornado there is, which spawned damage to buildings and flipped RVs in various parts of the Tri-State. The Enhanced Fujita scale, or the measurement of the strength of tornadoes, goes from EF0 to EF5. Here are the wind gusts measured for each level of tornado:EF0: 65-85mphEF1: 86-110mphEF2: 111-135mphEF3: 136-165mphEF4: 166-200mphEF5: 200mph or moreAs you can imagine, stronger winds in a tornado mean more damage and danger.For the Tri-State area, the majority of tornadoes that are confirmed by the National Weather Service are EF1s or EF0s. From 1950-2021, out of more than 250 tornadoes reported in the Tri-State, only about 30% of those were rated higher than an EF1. For a look at the latest timing of Wednesday night's severe weather, click here. We will also go live with any severe weather alerts at this link. ...read more read less