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Scale of threat levels

for South Central and Southeast Wisconsin
High Wind Threat   (Non-Thunderstorm)
Hazard Map Threat Levels Safety & Impact

High Wind Threat Level

T hreat Level Descriptions

Extreme

"An Extreme Threat to Life and Property from High Wind."

An extreme likelihood (36% or greater probability) of high winds capable of minor to major damage in the worst situations.   See description of high wind damage below. 

High

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

A high likelihood (26% to 35% probability) of high winds capable of minor to major damage in the worst situations.   See description of high wind damage below. 

Moderate

"A Moderate Threat to Life and Property from High Wind."

A moderate likelihood (16% to 25% probability) of high winds capable of minor to major damage in the worst situations.   See description of high wind damage below. 

Low

"A Low Threat to Life and Property from High Wind."

A low likelihood (6% to 15% probability) of high winds capable of minor to major damage in the worst situations.   See description of high wind damage below. 

Very Low
"A Very Low Threat to Life and Property from High Wind."

A very low likelihood (2% to 5% probability) of high winds capable of minor to major damage in the worst situations.   See description of high wind damage below. 

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

The sustained wind speeds are non-threatening; "breezy" conditions may still be present.

Note:

In "High Wind" situations, sustained winds must be greater than or equal to 40 mph for 1 hour or more, or winds of 58 mph for any duration.

In "High Wind" conditions, small branches break off trees and loose objects are blown about.   Isolated occurrences of wind damage to porches, carports, awnings, or pool enclosures.  Isolated power outages may even occur.    Winds considered dangerous for high profile vehicles and for boaters on area lakes.

In "Damaging High Wind" conditions, wind damage occurs to unanchored mobile homes, porches, carports, awnings, pool enclosures and with some shingles blown from roofs.   Large branches break off trees with weak or diseased trees blown down.  Loose objects are easily blown about and can become dangerous projectiles.  Widely scattered power outages may occur.  Winds considered extremely dangerous for high profile vehicles and for boaters on area lakes.   

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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