What exactly is a "Significant Weather Alert"?

[phantomreader42]

I have a weather alert set up on my cell phone, and that's the message it gave.  I don't think it's a Severe Thunderstorm or a tornado, as if it were either of those it would say so.

Looking it up, it seems to be Severe Thunderstorm, only without the "severe" part.

Whatever it is, there seems to be one in this area now. 

Comments

[chiefsfan58]

A significant weather alert is an alert for any weather for any weather stronger than moderate rain, i.e. an isolated thunderstorm with wind gusts, and possible hail and a downpour. "Significant weather alert" is below "severe thunderstorm watch" ... Stronger than moderate rain, just a touch under severe. Just a caution for folks to keep on their toes. Got me? ^_^

I get you

[phantomreader42]

But it seems to have hit severe at some point anyway, which makes the point moot, I guess.