Typically, hazards associated with thunderstorms can extend to how many miles from the thunderstorm?

Hazards associated with thunderstorms, such as turbulence, lightning, and hail, can extend significantly beyond the visible cloud itself. It is generally accepted that these dangers can reach out to 20 miles from the edge of a thunderstorm. Understanding this distance is crucial for pilots and air traffic controllers, as it helps in maintaining safe separation from storm-related hazards.

While some hazards can be more pronounced closer to the storm, the ability of phenomena like downdrafts and outflow boundaries to influence conditions at a distance makes the 20-mile guideline a critical consideration in aviation safety practices. This awareness enables effective decision-making when navigating around thunderstorms, thereby enhancing safety for both aircraft and crew.