Severe Thunderstorms Q and A.

Q: What is a severe thunderstorm?

A: A severe thunderstorm contains hail to the size of 3/4 of an inch or larger in diameter, tornadoes, or wind gusts 58 mph or greater.

Q: How do severe thunderstorms form?

A: Severe thunderstorms generally form ahead of a cold front where there is a sharp contrast of air masses and with daytime heating added into the equation, rather explosive thunderstorms can result. The daytime heating helps to destabilize the atmosphere. The air mass differential is used as fuel for growing thunderstorms.