Be Weather Aware! Prepare for the storms in life and do not be afraid.
Estimating Wind Speed: It’s often difficult to estimate wind speed,
especially in the plains where there are few physical indicators to observe
damage. Below is the Beaufort Wind Force Scale for estimating wind
speeds. This is only a rough guide. Actual damage may occur at weaker
or stronger speeds.
Estimating Hail Size: NWS issues a severe thunderstorm warning for hail of 1 inch across or larger. When reporting hail, it is best to measure the hail when safe to do so. If you are not equipped with a ruler or other measuring instrument,hail size can be related loosely to coins or athletic balls, as shown in the box below.
