NWS La Crosse Severe Thunderstorm Reference Table (Wind)

Lake-effect Snow and Whiteout Conditions in the Great Lakes Region; Below-average Temperatures in the East

Heavy lake-effect and lake-enhanced snow will persist downwind of the Great Lakes and produce some whiteout conditions that could cause difficult travel conditions. A coastal low will produce moderate to heavy snow over parts of southern and eastern New England into the afternoon. Below average temperatures are expected across the eastern U.S., particularly with chilly morning temperatures. Read More >

Wind Speed (mph)	Description
Calm - 2	Smoke rises vertically; trees do not move
3 - 6	Wind motion visible; felt on skin
7 - 10	Leaves / flags in constant motion
11 -15	Wind heard; Leaves rustle
15 - 20	Dust is raised; Small branches move
20 - 25	Small trees sway; Flags in full motion
26 - 32	Large branches move; Whistling heard in wind
33 - 40	Whole trees move; Difficult to walk
41 - 49	Twigs break; Leaf loss; Cars can veer off road
50 - 57	Small branches break; Leaf litter in streets; Minor roof and sign damage possible
START OF SEVERE CRITERIA
58 - 65	Tree damage or large branches break; Light structural damage
66 - 73	Tree and structural damage; Crop damage possible
74+	Widespread tree, crop, and structural damage

Wind Speed (mph)

Description

Calm - 2

Smoke rises vertically; trees do not move