The Special Weather Statement (SPS) is designed to alert customers to a short term hazardous weather threat, occurring within 6 hours of product issuance, which may require a heightened level of awareness or action.

An SPS may be issued for strong thunderstorms that approach, or are expected to approach, severe convective criteria. General criteria for a "Near-Severe" thunderstorm are considered to be one or a combination of the following events:

• Thunderstorm winds <= 57 mph

• Hail < ¾" diameter

• Frequent to continuous lightning

• Funnel clouds or cold air funnels