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ColdAir Funnels: Weak funnel cloud protuberance from cumuliform clouds that typically remain aloft. They form in cold unstable air masses and are not usually associated with thunderstorms or severe weather.
Downburst: Intense gust of wind or down draft that exits the base of a thunder- storm and spreads out horizontally at the earth's surface as a strong wind which often causes damage.
Flash Flood: A flood that can occur very rapidly. Flash floods occur as the result of very heavy rainfall in a short period of time, generally over a relatively small area.
Flood: The condition that occurs when water overflows the natural or artificial confines of a stream or body of water, or accumulates by drainage over low lying areas.
Funnel Cloud: Violently rotating column of air that is not in contact with the ground. A tornado passes through the funnel cloud stage during its development and dissipation.
Gust Front: The leading edge of a mass of cool, gusty air that flows from the base of a thunderstorm and spreads along the ground in advance of the thunderstorm.
Lightning: Generally, any and all of the various forms of electrical discharge produced by thunderstorms.
Severe Thunderstorm: A thunderstorm producing a tornado, damaging winds of 58 m.p.h. or higher, and/or hail 3/4" in diameter or larger.
Squall Line: Any line or narrow band of thunderstorms. These lines may be of consider- able length, extending across multiple states.
Straight Line Winds: Thunderstorm winds that may produce damage which typically exhibits a lack of a rotational damage pattern. Straight line winds are most often produced by a thunderstorm gust front, originating from a downburst.
Thunderstorm: In general, a local storm produced by a cumulonimbus cloud, and accompanied by lightning and thunder, usually with strong wind gusts, heavy rain and sometimes hail.
Tornado: Violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground, descending from the base of a severe thunderstorm. They are usually funnel-shaped, with a narrow end nearest the ground. In Ohio, most tornadoes are obscured by hills, trees and rain until they are upon you.
Warning - A product issued by National Weather Service local offices indicating that a particular weather hazard is either imminent or occurring. A warning indicates the need to take action to protect life and property. Typical warnings include:
Watch - A NWS product indicating that conditions are favorable for the development of a particular severe weather event. A watch is normally issued for several hours and indicates a need for planning, preparation and an increased awareness of changing weather conditions. Typical watches include: