What is the criteria for a "severe" thunderstorm?

Many of us have experienced the awe of thunderstorms, but there are specific factors that qualify a thunderstorm as “severe.”  

The National Weather Service in Buffalo is responsible for issuing watches and warnings for our area. A severe thunderstorm is defined as a thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado, containing wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour, or hail ¾ of an inch or larger.

When a thunderstorm with any of these criteria is detected, a warning is issued. Without meeting these specific standards, even the most potent thunderstorm won’t be issued a warning.

The weather staff at 13WHAM-TV is staffed by at least one meteorologist almost around the clock. This enables us to inform our viewers of any potentially life threatening weather.