Winter Storm
The types of Severe Winter Storms are the definitions used in the warnings NWS provides for this hazard type. A life-threatening winter storm with snow, ice, strong winds, and/or cold temperatures.
- Heavy Snow is 6 inches of snow or more in 12 hours; or 8 inches of snow or more in 24 hours
- Ice Storm: Ice accumulations that could cause extremely dangerous conditions and significant damage.
- Blizzard: A severe winter storm with winds 35 mph or greater AND significant snow or blowing snow with visibility less than 1/4 mile.
Severe Thunderstorms
Must have at least one of the following:
- Wind gusts of at least 58 mph or higher, i.e., 50 knots
- Tornado
- Hail that is 1 inch or larger, i.e., the size of a quarter.
National Weather Service issues warnings when the winds from a thunderstorm are expected to be 58 mph (50 knots) or higher.
Tornado
A violently rotating column of air touching the ground, usually attached to the base of a thunderstorm.
Severe Wind
Severe wind is a more troubling issue for Kentuckians than tornadoes. Straight-line winds are more frequent and do more damage ingloriously than tornadoes.
Link to the State Hazard Mitigation Plan – Wind, Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Risk Assessment.
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