LP storms almost always occur on or near the dry line, and therefore are sometimes referred to as dry line storms. Precipitation often totally envelops the region of rotation, making visual identification of any embedded tornadoes very difficult and very dangerous. HP storms often produce extreme and prolonged downburst events, serious flash flooding, and very large damaging hail events. Tornado Intensity Tornadoes vary in size and destructive potential. The following section lists other hazards and their definitions associated with thunderstorms Downburst - A strong downdraft resulting in an outward burst of damaging winds on or near the ground.
Downburst winds can produce damage similar to a strong tornado.
Although usually associated with thunderstorms, downbursts can occur with showers too weak to produce thunder. If you are storm spotting and encounter water running over a roadway, report it immediately. Roadways underneath may not always be intact as the image below shows. For a more thorough listing of terms used by meteorologists and storm spotters, try looking through the on-line spotter glossary . An illustrated severe weather safety guide is also available on this home page.