There are three main types of all thunderstorms:
Single-cell or your normal thunderstorm.
Multi-cell a thunderstorm that is connected to other thunderstorms.
Finally Supercell, the most dangerous and usually severe.
There are three types of severe thunderstorms.
1; baseline severe thunderstorm. Winds are 58 miles per hour or greater. Hail size 1.00 inch or greater.
2; considerable damage severe thunderstorm. Winds are 70 miles per hour or more. Hail size 1.75 inches or greater.
3; destructive damage severe thunderstorm. Winds are 80 miles per hour or more. Hail is 2.75 inches or greater.
If there is tornadic activity a thunderstorm is severe but to determine the severity scale you need to look at wind speed and hail size.
Remember all thunderstorms have lightning. Be careful when around thunderstorms.
“Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ and the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ logo are trademarks of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, used with permission.”
“Skywarn® and the Skywarn® logo are registered trademarks of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, used with permission.”