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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-thunderstorm-turbulence-20-miles

Severe turbulence can be expected up to how far from a severe thunderstorm?

Up to 20 miles away, well beyond the visible cloud.

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  1. Up to 2 miles
  2. Up to 20 miles ✔
  3. Only inside the cloud itself

Why: A thunderstorm's updrafts and downdrafts reach far beyond the cloud you can see. The AIM says severe turbulence can extend up to 20 miles from severe storms and about 10 miles from weaker ones.

Huh, didn't know that: The AIM says to avoid any severe thunderstorm by at least 20 miles.

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Why did the thunderstorm keep its distance? It needed some space to vent.
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References

Answer: Up to 20 miles. A thunderstorm's updrafts and downdrafts reach far beyond the cloud you can see. The AIM says severe turbulence can extend up to 20 miles from severe storms and about 10 miles from weaker ones.

  1. Aeronautical Information Manual 7-1-26, Thunderstorms www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap7_section_1.html
    Severe turbulence can be expected up to 20 miles from severe thunderstorms.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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