Severe Weather Threat Scale Explained

What do the different threat levels mean for your area?

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The severe weather threat scale, ranging from 1 to 5, helps illustrate the risk of severe storms in a given area. The higher the number, the more likely severe weather is to occur, including storms with 58+ mph winds, 1+ inch hail, or tornadoes within 25 miles. However, the threat levels indicate the risk area, not that every location will necessarily experience severe weather.

Why it matters

Understanding the severe weather threat scale is important for residents to be prepared and take appropriate precautions when severe storms are forecasted for their region. The scale provides a clear indication of the potential severity and likelihood of dangerous weather conditions.

The details

A severe thunderstorm is defined as a storm with winds of at least 58 mph, hail 1 inch or larger in diameter, or the presence of tornadoes within 25 miles of a certain point. The severe weather threat scale uses levels from 1 to 5 to illustrate the risk, with 5 being the highest threat level.

  • The severe weather threat scale is used year-round by meteorologists to warn residents of potential severe storms.

The players

WSMV

A local news station in Nashville, Tennessee that reported on the severe weather threat scale.

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The takeaway

Paying attention to the severe weather threat scale can help residents in at-risk areas take the necessary precautions to stay safe during dangerous storms. Knowing what each threat level means allows people to better prepare and respond appropriately to the level of risk in their local area.