Storm Alerts Explained:Watch Vs. Warning
An important part of staying safe during severe thunderstorms and tornadoes is knowing the difference between a "watch"and a "warning"and how to receive these critical National Weather Service alerts.
Watch:Be Ready
A tornado or severe thunderstorm watch is issued when weather conditions in the area are favorable for the development of tornadoes or severe thunderstorms.
They're typically issued several hours before any severe weather develops,cover larger areas ranging from parts of a state to multiple states,and are usually in effect for several hours until the threat is over.
Tornado and severe thunderstorm watches are issued by NOAA's Storm Prediction Center in Norman,Oklahoma. The SPC typically issues an average of about 1,000 of these watches in the U.S. each year.
If one is issued for your area,consider it an early heads up that severe weather could flare up. Know where you'll take shelter if a warning is issued and be prepared to do so quickly,if a warning is issued.
Warning:Act Now!
A tornado or severe thunderstorm warning is issued when severe thunderstorms or tornadoes either are occurring or are suggested by radar.
These warnings are issued by your local National Weather Service forecast office,typically cover either parts of a county or multiple counties,and usually last on the order of 20 to 60 minutes.
If you receive a warning for your area,move indoors and take shelter immediately. If it's a tornado warning,go quickly to a storm cellar,basement,or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows. If you can,wear a helmet,grab a blanket and hard-soled shoes for protection from debris.
Time is of the essence with a warning. While most NWS warnings provide about 10 to 20 minutes of lead time,you may not have that much time if a severe thunderstorm or tornado has just developed. Do not waste time looking out the window to convince yourself the threat is real.
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An Analogy – Using Tacos
Another way to look at the difference between a watch and warning has been pointed out in social media over the years using food.
In the case shown below,members of the Normal,Illinois,Fire Department want you to think about tacos:
-"Taco watch"means the ingredients for tacos are in place.
-"Taco warning"means we are having tacos right now.
How To Get Watches,Warnings
Make sure you have multiple ways of receiving severe watches and warnings.
Those include a smartphone app,such as Weather Now 24 app,NOAA weather radio,local radio and TV stations. If the threat of severe weather is overnight or while you're sleeping,make sure to turn off your "do not disturb"setting on your smartphone so any alert will wake you up.
Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at www.weathernow24.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky,X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
