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Scale of threat levels

for South Central and Southeast Wisconsin
Lightning Threat
Hazard Map Threat Levels Safety & Impact

Lightning Threat Level

Threat Level Descriptions

Extreme

 "An Extreme Threat to Life and Property from Lightning."

Within 12 miles of a location, a very high likelihood of CG lightning (or 80% to 90% thunderstorm probability), with storms capable of occasional CG lightning.

High

 "A High Threat to Life and Property from Lightning."

Within 12 miles of a location, a high likelihood of CG lightning (or 60% to 70% thunderstorm probability), with storms capable of occasional CG lightning.    

Moderate

 "A Moderate Threat to Life and Property from Lightning."

Within 12 miles of a location, a moderate likelihood of CG lightning (or 50% thunderstorm probability), with storms capable of occasional CG lightning.    

Low

 "A Low Threat to Life and Property from Lightning."

Within 12 miles of a location, a low likelihood of CG lightning (or 30% to 40% thunderstorm probability), with storms capable of occasional CG lightning.    

Very Low
 "A Very Low Threat to Life and Property from Lightning."

Within 12 miles of a location, a very low likelihood of CG lightning (or 10% to 20% thunderstorm probability), with storms capable of occasional CG lightning.    

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

Within 12 miles of a location, environmental conditions do not support CG lightning.   

Note:  With cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning, every strike is potentially lethal.  

Occasional - CG lightning at the rate of 1 to 3 flashes per minute (about 5 to 15 flashes per 5 minutes) associated with a given lightning storm. 

Frequent - CG lightning at the rate of 4 to 11 flashes per minute (about 20 to 55 flashes per 5 minutes) associated with a given lightning storm.   

Excessive - CG lightning rate of 12 flashes or more per minute (about 60 flashes or more per 5 minutes) and is nearly continuous associated with a given lightning storm.  

Determining Likelihood

  • National Weather Service
  • Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI Weather Forecast Office
  • N3533 Hardscrabble Road
  • Dousman, WI 53118
  • 262-965-2074
  • 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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