Watch vs. Warning
This is the single most important thing to understand about severe weather. Knowing the difference could save your life.
Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. A tornado hasn't been spotted yet, but the atmosphere is primed for one.
Action: Stay alert. Know your shelter plan. Keep an eye on conditions.
A tornado has been spotted by a person, or indicated by weather radar. This is happening RIGHT NOW in your area.
Action: Go to your shelter IMMEDIATELY. Lowest floor, interior room, away from windows.
Think of it like your kitchen
A Watch means you left the stove on with grease in the pan — a fire could happen.
A Warning means the grease fire is happening right now — get out.
What About Severe Thunderstorm Warnings?
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a storm is producing (or is about to produce) one or both of:
- •Damaging winds — 58 mph or greater
- •Large hail — 1 inch diameter or larger (quarter-sized)
These storms don't have a tornado, but they're still dangerous. Large hail can shatter windows and dent cars. Damaging winds can topple trees and rip off roofs.
Tip: Stay indoors and away from windows during a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. If you hear hail or see trees bending, you're in it.
A real example: Yellow/orange Tornado Watch zone, orange Severe Thunderstorm Warning inside it, and a red Tornado Warning polygon at the center — showing how alerts escalate as the threat becomes more immediate.
Quick Reference: What To Do
Tornado Watch
Stay alert. Review your shelter plan. Charge your phone. Keep an eye on the sky.
Tornado Warning
Take shelter IMMEDIATELY. Lowest floor, interior room, away from windows. Protect your head.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Stay indoors. Move away from windows. Bring pets inside. Be aware — severe storms can spawn tornadoes.
