What you need to know as severe weather season ramps up

Severe weather will be increasing over the next several months and our weather team figured a refresher on severe weather would be important-- especially considering how we haven't seen much activity so far this winter.

Severe storms are categorized as thunderstorms which produce winds in excess of 58 mph and hail of 1" diameter or great. If the storm is potentially producing a tornado, it is still a severe storm, but it will also be upgraded from a severe storm warning to a tornado warning.

Tornadoes nationwide will continue increasing over the next several months with a peak expected by May.

An active jet stream is the main driver for severe weather in mid-Missouri. The clash of warm and humid air to our south with leftover cold and dry air from the winter season is the perfect recipe for severe storms.

If you're wanting to learn more about how severe weather forms and how you can better identify and storms, you can attend storm spotter training Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 6:30pm. It will be on 518 Hitt St. in the Stotler Lounge in Memorial Union on the University of Missouri campus.

For more information on the upcoming severe weather season, you can watch the premier of the ABC 17 Stormtrack Severe Weather Special Tuesday March 10th, on KMIZ at 6:30pm and again on KQFX at 9:30pm.

-Luke