NWS La Crosse Severe Thunderstorm Reference Table (Wind)

Storm Impacting the Northwest U.S.; Fire Weather Conditions in Southern California; Severe Weather in the South

A Pacific storm is bringing areas of low elevation rain, moderate to heavy mountain snow, and high winds to the Northwest. Strong Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are producing elevated to critical fire weather conditions in southern California. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible through early Wednesday morning across parts of northeast Texas into western Tennessee. 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