NWS La Crosse Severe Thunderstorm Reference Table (Wind)

Frigid Airmass to Bring Significantly Colder Temperatures; Snow Continues Downwind of the Great Lakes

A frigid cold airmass will bring significantly colder weather across the eastern two thirds of the country early this week. Record low temperatures are expected in the Southeast by Tuesday morning. Moderate to heavy lake effect snow will continue downwind of the Great Lakes through Monday. Several inches of snow accumulation is expected, including in portions of the Chicago Metro 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