Spotter Information
- Calendar of Spotter Training Dates
- eSpotter: Spotters - please submit your reports here.
- Need to register? email Todd Heitkamp to sign up
- Storm Spotter Glossary
- Basic Spotter’s Field Guide
- Advanced Spotter’s Field Guide
- Hail and Wind Descriptors
| Hail Diameter | Description | Hail Diameter | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | Pea Size | 1 3/4" | Golf Ball Size |
| 1/2" | 2" | Hen Egg Size | |
| 3/4" (Severe Criteria) |
Penny Size | 2 1/2" | Tennis Ball Size |
| 7/8" | Nickel Size | 2 3/4" | Baseball Size |
| 1" | Quarter Size | 3" | Teacup Size |
| 1 1/4" | Half Dollar Size | 4" | Grapefruit Size |
| 1 1/2" | Walnut or Ping Pong Ball Size | 4 1/2" | Softball Size |
| Wind Speed Estimate | Description |
|---|---|
| 25-31 mph | Large branches in motion; whistling heard in telephone wires |
| 32-38 mph | Whole trees in motion; inconvenience felt walking against the wind |
| 39-54 mph | Twigs break off trees; wind generally impedes progress |
| 55-72 mph (58 mph=Severe Criteria) |
Damage to chimneys and TV antennas; pushes over shallow rooted trees |
| 73-112 mph | Peels surfaces off roofs; windows broken; light mobile homes pushed or overturned; moving cars pushed off road |
| 113-157 mph | Roofs torn off houses; cars lifted off ground |
Quick Links for Spotters
- Latest NWS Sioux Falls Radar Image
- Hazardous Weather Products - check the latest warnings and statements here.
- Daily Hazardous Weather Outlook - brief yourself on what type of weatheris expected.
- Storm Reports and Statistics - see what has been reported in your area.
- Severe Weather Safety and Preparedness
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Skywarn Page (National)
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For further information concerning our spotter program at National Weather Service Sioux Falls, please contact: Todd Heitkamp, Warning Coordination Meteorologist. |
