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Scale of threat levels

for South Central and Southeast Wisconsin
Severe Hail Threat
Hazard Map Threat Levels Safety & Impact
The "Severe Hail Hazard Map" depicts the local threat of severe hail for specified areas.  It is based on the likelihood that severe hail will occur combined with the anticipated size (diameter) of the biggest stones.

Severe Hail Threat Level

Threat Level Descriptions

Extreme

"An Extreme Threat to Life and Property from Severe Hail."

Within 12 miles of a location, an extreme likelihood (36% or greater) of severe hail, with storms capable of nickel sized hail stones or larger, up to softball in the worst situation.  See diameter description below.

High

"A High Threat to Life and Property from Severe Hail."

Within 12 miles of a location, a high likelihood (26% to 35% probability) of severe hail, with storms capable of nickel sized hail stones or larger, up to softball in the worst situation.  See diameter description below.

Moderate

"A Moderate Threat to Life and Property from Severe Hail."

Within 12 miles of a location, a moderate likelihood (16% to 25% probability) of severe hail, with storms capable of nickel sized hail stones or larger, up to softball in the worst situation.  See diameter description below.

Low

"A Low Threat to Life and Property from Severe Hail."

Within 12 miles of a location, a low likelihood (6% to 15% probability) of severe hail, with storms capable of nickel sized hail stones or larger, up to softball in the worst situation.

Very Low
"A Very Low Threat to Life and Property from Severe Hail."

Within 12 miles of a location, a very low likelihood (2% to 5%) of severe hail, with storms capable of nickel sized hail stones or larger, up to softball in the worst situation.  See diameter description below.

Non-Threatening
"No Discernable Threat to Life and Property from Severe Hail."

Within 12 miles of a location, environmental conditions do not support the occurrence of severe hail.     

Note: To be considered severe, hail stones must be at least 3/4 inch in diameter.

Small Hail - Hail less than 3/4 inch in diameter (from the size of peas to marbles).

Large Hail - Hail from 3/4 inch to 1 3/4 inch in diameter (from the size of nickels to golf balls) causing minor damage. 

Very Large Hail  - Hail from 1 3/4 inch to 2 3/4 inch in diameter (from the size of golfballs to baseballs) causing moderate damage. 

Giant Hail - Hail larger than 2 3/4 inch (larger than baseballs, such as the size of grapefruit or softballs) causing major damage. 

Determining Likelihood

  • NOAA's National Weather Service
  • Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI Weather Forecast Office
  • N3533 Hardscrabble Road
  • Dousman, WI 53118
  • 414-744-8000
  • Page Author: MKX Webmaster
  • Web Master's E-mail: w-mkx.webmaster@noaa.gov
  • Page last modified: 2-Nov-2005 10:23 PM UTC
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