Spotter Information Page

Reference Information

Upcoming Spotter Training Sessions
Online Spotter Training (high speed connection needed)
What makes a thunderstorm Severe?
Indianapolis Spotter Brochure (PDF)
Advanced Storm Spotting Guide (PDF)
Cloud Chart (PDF)

Hail Size Chart

Wind Speed Estimate

Current Conditions

Current Watches/Warnings for Central Indiana
Local Severe Weather Information Page (including links to current weather)

Send in a Report

Contact the NWS at Indianapolis
E-spotter
Central Indiana Skywarn

 

Reference Information 

What makes a thunderstorm severe?

A severe thunderstorm is a thunderstorm that produces...

  • wind gusts of at least 58 mph (50 knots), and/or
  • hail at least 3/4 inch diameter (penny size) and/or
  • a tornado

  Hail Size Chart: (diameter in inches)

  • Pea Size: 0.25 inches
  • Small Marble: 0.50 inches
  • Penny: 0.75 inches <--Any hail this size or larger is severe thunderstorm criteria
  • Nickel: 0.88 inches
  • Quarter: 1.00 inches
  • Half Dollar: 1.25 inches
  • Ping Pong Ball: 1.50
  • Golf Ball: 1.75 inches
  • Hen Egg: 2.00 inches
  • Tennis Ball: 2.50 inches
  • Baseball: 2.75 inches
  • Grapefruit: 4.00 inches
  • Softball: 4.50 inches

Wind Speed Estimate:

  • 25-31 mph: Large branches in motion; whistling heard in telephone wires.
  • 32-38 mph: Whole trees in motion; inconveniencefelt walking against the wind.
  • 39-54 mph: Twigs break off trees; wind generally impedes progress.
  • 55-72 mph: 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.

 

 

 Spotter Training Classes

Below is a listing of upcoming severe weather spotter training sessions.

Frequently asked questions about spotter sessions:

1. Do I need to preregister for these sessions? No. All you need to do is arrive at the proper time and location.

2. About how long do the sessions last? Approxmiately 2 hours.

3. Do I have to live / be a spotter in the county that I take the training session? No. The training sessions are identical.

There are currently no outreach events scheduled.


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  • Page Author: IND Webmaster
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  • Page last modified: 22 -Feb -2006 6:41 PM UTC
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