Understanding the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning is crucial for staying safe during severe weather. While both indicate the potential for dangerous conditions, they demand different responses.

Tornado Watch

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in a specific area. Think of it as a weather “heads-up.” The atmosphere is unstable and possesses the ingredients needed for tornado formation: moisture, instability, lift, and wind shear. These watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) and typically cover a large geographic area, encompassing multiple counties or even states.

During a tornado watch, it is essential to:

• Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts on TV, radio, or reputable online sources like the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Review your safety plan: Know where your designated safe room or shelter is. This could be a basement, a storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
• Gather supplies: Prepare a disaster kit with essentials like water, food, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, medications, and first-aid supplies.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Watch for signs of developing severe weather, such as dark, rotating clouds, hail, or a sudden drop in temperature.

A tornado watch doesn’t mean a tornado is imminent, but it does mean you need to be prepared and vigilant.

Tornado Warning

A tornado warning is much more serious. It means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, posing an immediate threat to life and property. Tornado warnings are issued by local NWS offices and cover a much smaller area, typically a portion of a county or a few towns.

During a tornado warning, immediate action is required:

• Seek shelter immediately: Go to your designated safe room or shelter. If you are in a mobile home or vehicle, abandon it and find sturdier shelter. Mobile homes are extremely vulnerable in tornadoes.
• Protect yourself: If you are in an interior room, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a table or desk, and cover your head and neck with your arms.
• Stay away from windows: Windows can shatter and cause serious injuries.
• Listen to official warnings: Continue to monitor weather broadcasts for updates and instructions.

A tornado warning is a call to action. Delaying shelter-seeking could have life-threatening consequences.

Key Differences Summarized

In essence, a tornado watch is a be prepared alert, while a tornado warning is a take action now alert. The watch indicates a possibility, while the warning indicates an imminent threat. Knowing the difference and acting accordingly can significantly increase your chances of staying safe during a tornado.