Watch vs. Warning: What's the Difference

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

The differences between a tornado and severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.

With the severe weather season underway, now is a great time to go over the differences between a tornado and severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.

A WATCH means that the potential exists for the development of severe thunderstorms or tornadoes, depending upon the specific type of watch issued.

- In a Tornado Watch, this DOES NOT mean a tornado has been seen or even indicated by radar...it just means that conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes in thunderstorms.

- A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that conditions are just conducive for the development of severe weather, and DOES NOT indicate that severe weather has been reported. While no immediate action on the part of the general public is required for the issuance of a watch, citizens should keep up to date on the current weather situation and be prepared to seek shelter if necessary.

A WARNING, on the other hand, requires more immediate action and should be taken seriously.

- A Severe Thunderstorm Warning indicates that severe weather is imminent in your area or is already occurring (based on either human observation or doppler radar). The term severe refers to hail greater than or equal to 1.00" in diameter and/or wind gusts that meet or exceed 58 mph. Although these storms can also be associated with dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning or heavy rainfall that is capable of causing flash flooding, neither of these two items serve as criteria for a severe thunderstorm warning being issued. 

- A Tornado Warning can be thought of as a very specific severe thunderstorm warning, and means that a tornado has been either spotted by a human observer or indicated by a doppler radar. Similar to a severe thunderstorm warning, once a tornado warning is issued for your area, you should take cover immediately...as the likelihood of you being directly impacted by a tornado is at a heightened risk.

With this new profound knowledge, you'll be better prepared the next time severe weather threatens your area. But sometimes, watches and warnings are not enough to fit the specific needs of businesses and companies.