What does the Storm Prediction Center do?

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is a part of the National Weather Service (NWS) and is one of nine National Centers for Environmental Prediction. Our mission is to provide timely and accurate forecasts and watches for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes over the contiguous United States.

What are the 5 levels of severe weather?

They consist of 5 categories: marginal, slight, enhanced, moderate and high. A level 1 or marginal risk consist of isolated and short-lived severe thunderstorms that have limited intensity; usually these storms will have winds between 40-60 mph, hail up to 1″ and a low tornado risk.

Does the Storm Prediction Center issue tornado watches?

The agency also forecasts hazardous winter and fire weather conditions. It does so primarily by issuing convective outlooks, severe thunderstorm watches, tornado watches and mesoscale discussions.

How long are convective outlooks valid?

Remember that convective SIGMETs are advisories to pilots for active areas or lines of thunderstorms that are significant to aviation – convective SIGMETs are valid for two hours.

Can storms be predicted?

Scientists can predict the number of named storms and their breakdown by intensity (i.e. the number of hurricanes, tropical storms, intense hurricanes, etc.). They can also predict approximate wind speeds and intensity for sustained winds. Scientists can usually predict its path for 3-5 days in advance.

What is a convective outlook?

Convective Outlooks. Convective Outlooks consist of a narrative and a graphic depicting severe thunderstorm threats across the continental United States. The outlook narratives are written in technical language, intended for sophisticated weather users, and provide the meteorological reasoning for the risk areas.

What is a Level 3 tornado watch?

Level 3 tornado watch… Strong tornadoes…EF2 and EF3 likely… Hail up to 3 inches in diameter… Thunderstorm wind gusts greater than 80 mph… And dangerous lightning are possible in these areas.

What does a 5\% chance of tornadoes mean?

Threat: A low threat to life and property. Minimum Action: Preparations should be made for a low likelihood (or a 5 to 14\% probability) of tornadoes; scattered tornadoes of F0 to F1 intensity possible. Potential Impact: The potential for scattered locations to experience minor to moderate tornado damage (see below).

Where is the Storm Prediction Center?

Norman, Oklahoma
Headquartered at the National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma, the Storm Prediction Center is tasked with forecasting the risk of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the contiguous United States. It issues convective outlooks, mesoscale discussions, and watches as a part of this process.