MARGINAL (1/5)
SLIGHT (2/5)
MODERATE (4/5)
ENHAHNCED (3/5)
HIGH (5/5)
A marginal risk means that isolated severe storms may be possible. However, severe storms are not likely across a large area. This means that many areas will see stable conditions, mostly in the form of rain with sporadic strong wind being possible within heavier cores. This means that widespread impacts are minimal, and within the Storm Prediction Center, this means that storms are a level one out of five threat level.
A slight risk means that isolated to scattered severe storms may be possible. This means that some storms within stronger cores could produce isolated sporadic damaging winds and even small hail. At this threat level, the tornado threat is rather limited but not zero. I have lived in southern Alabama for many years, and spin-up tornadoes are certainly possible in this setup if the right ingredients properly align.
An enhanced risk means that numerous severe storms are possible. This means that confidence is building around conditions being unstable and favorable for severe weather to occur. This means that some storms may produce not only damaging wind gusts but also hail and a tornado threat. The tornado threat at this level starts to ramp up to where even an isolated strong tornado being EF-2 or greater could be possible.
A moderate risk means a significant weather event is possible. Not just numerous storms but widespread severe weather is a good bet within the area. This means that the probability of a tornado happening is even higher, including a strong tornado being possible. In addition, strong damaging gusts and even large hail are also possible impacts. If your location is ever within a moderate risk category, be sure to be prepared and stay up to date within your local forecast.
A high risk is the highest level of severe weather, where a severe weather outbreak is not just possible but likely. When the SPC issues high risk weather days, it is rare, as there is a strong likelihood that regions could experience a tornado outbreak with many causing widespread destruction. Higher damaging wind gust probabilities and large hail are also on the table within a high risk level. Therefore, being prepared is vital when this degree of risk is issued.