Summary
The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center is updating its tornado warning maps. These changes add new visual levels to show how severe storms might become. The modifications help people understand not just the chance of a storm, but also its possible strength.
Key Facts
- The Storm Prediction Center is part of the National Weather Service.
- They are adding new visual tiers to tornado warning maps.
- The current risk categories (Marginal, Slight, Enhanced, Moderate, High) will not change.
- New map symbols (hatching) will show the intensity of storms.
- The new three-tier system will indicate different levels of storm intensity.
- Level 1 is for significant severe weather, Level 2 for potentially dangerous environments, and Level 3 for historic intensity.
- These changes have been tested since 2021 and are now ready for public use.
- Upcoming forecasts predict severe storms in parts of the U.S. in the next week.
