The hazard categories numbered 1 to 5 have been determined by the specialist government bodies for natural hazards. Prevailing circumstances are outlined in terms of their potential dangers and their impact on society for each individual category within the various natural hazard types. Whilst the definitions have been made as similar as possible for the same hazard category numbers across the different natural hazards, it is, of course, not possible to make direct comparisons between them. Detailed explanations of the hazard categories for each natural hazard can be found here.
| Danger level (colour) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Level 1 (green) | No or low danger |
| Level 2 (yellow) | Moderate danger |
| Level 3 (orange) | Considerable danger |
| Level 4 (red) | High danger |
| Level 5 (dark red) | Very high danger |
For weather warnings, a high probability of occurrence (70–100%) means that the event occurs in at least 70 out of 100 cases with such a forecast. A low probability of occurrence (40–70%) means that the event can be expected in 40 to 70 out of 100 cases with such a forecast. The probability of occurrence always refers to the region and time period specified in the warning.