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Coverage

When the sky turns serious, Xtreme Weather goes into Coverage Mode. Here's what each mode means, the thresholds that trigger it, how to conduct yourself in Coverage chats, and the Experts who lead the room, keeping everything accurate and grounded in real data.

Coverage Modes

Each mode has its own criteria for activation. These are guidelines, not guarantees, our Coverage Experts can override them if a situation calls for it.

Severe Coverage

Severe

Usually an SPC Enhanced Risk (3/5) or higher, or another widespread threat to life.

Tornado15% CIG1, or 10% CIG2 or higher
Wind45% CIG1, or 30% CIG2 or higher
Hail45% CIG1, or 30% CIG2 or higher
Winter Coverage

Winter

Usually an Extreme Risk (5/5) on the WSSI scale or higher for a broad area.

Winter StormAt least 3+ state-wide Winter Storm Warnings
Ice StormAt least 1+ state-wide Ice Storm Warning
BlizzardAt least 1 Blizzard Warning for a populated area
Tropical Coverage

Tropical

Usually a Category 1/5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind scale or higher.

Hurricane WarningAny Hurricane Warning for a populated area in the mainland 48 states, including major (Cat 3+) hurricanes. Territory warnings are at Expert discretion.
Storm SurgeAny Storm Surge Warning for a populated stretch of US coastline. Territory warnings are at Expert discretion.

Each Coverage Mode's criteria can be overridden by a Coverage Expert when conditions warrant it.

Coverage Policies

For the safety of our members, keep the following in mind when chatting during any Coverage Mode.

  1. Be on your best behavior

    It can be hectic enough. Please refrain from spamming and typing in all caps.

  2. No doomcasting

    Exaggerating weather events beyond what the data supports is not allowed. Members rely on Coverage chats for accurate information.

  3. No pre-rating

    Assigning a rating while a tornado is ongoing is speculative and falls under misinformation. Please refrain from it.

  4. Follow accurate sources

    Keep your sources to NOAA/NWS and official trained spotters on the ground. Experimental sources like Nadocast fall under our Misinformation Policy.

  5. Keep an open mind

    Respect the polygon the NWS issues. Don't call an event a "bust" when it has only just started.

  6. Mind distressing media

    We recommend spoilering damage photos. Please don't send media that may be distressing or that falls under our Explicit Content policy.

Lead Experts
Drew Drew
Frost Frost