Which conditions would qualify a thunderstorm as severe under typical Part 135 guidance?

Which conditions would qualify a thunderstorm as severe under typical Part 135 guidance?

• A. Winds forecast above 50 knots and/or hail greater than 3/4 inch.
• B. Lightning activity alone.
• C. Isolated rain showers.
• D. Any thunderstorm is severe.

Answer: (A)

Severe thunderstorms are defined by their impact at the surface, not just by lightning or being a thunderstorm at all. Under typical Part 135 guidance, a thunderstorm is considered severe if it has surface wind gusts of 50 knots or more, or hail at least 3/4 inch in diameter (tornadoes also qualify as severe). Since the option describes those wind and hail thresholds, it matches the official definition and is the best choice. Lightning activity alone doesn’t make a storm severe, isolated rain showers aren’t severe, and not every thunderstorm reaches those criteria.

Severe thunderstorms are defined by their impact at the surface, not just by lightning or being a thunderstorm at all. Under typical Part 135 guidance, a thunderstorm is considered severe if it has surface wind gusts of 50 knots or more, or hail at least 3/4 inch in diameter (tornadoes also qualify as severe). Since the option describes those wind and hail thresholds, it matches the official definition and is the best choice. Lightning activity alone doesn’t make a storm severe, isolated rain showers aren’t severe, and not every thunderstorm reaches those criteria.