car tornado

Tornado Watch vs Tornado Warning: What’s the Difference?

Have you experienced a tornado watch or a tornado warning before? No one can predict the situation when it comes to severe weather situations. The only way that you can stay on top of these, is if you stay informed and pay attention to the storm prediction center.

Things that you should be paying attention to when looking for weather alerts in a city or small country:

  • Tornado watch/ tornado watches
  • Tornado warnings
  • Severe weather covering numerous counties
  • Severe thunderstorm watch
  • Severe thunderstorm warning/severe thunderstorms
  • Atmospheric administration
  • If there is a tornado identified in the weather radar
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Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area in times of imminent danger, so acting early helps you to seek shelter quickly. These warnings are announced by the national weather service or your local forecast office in a city or small county.

So given that these emergencies can happen at any time, what action should you be taking? In this article, we will be teaching you everything you need to know about tornado watches, the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning, how to make emergency plans, how to seek for the closest substantial shelter in a sturdy building or interior room, and how to remain vigilant in your mobile home.

Contents

What is a Tornado Watch?

what to do tornado

A tornado watch is a typically large and is issued when the weather condition in your area are suitable for tornados to form. Despite these conditions, there is no guarantee that one will form.

The watch is simply to inform people that there is a possibility. A tornado watch area is issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They typically cover multiple cities and also a specific watch area.

What is the Difference Between a Tornado Watch and A Tornado Warning Issued by the National Weather Service?

what to do during tornado

If you’ve ever been through a tornado, you know they aren’t anything to mess around with. These destructive storms can cause flying debris, damage buildings, and down power lines. That’s why the National Weather Service takes them so seriously. They issue two different types of warnings to help people stay safe: a tornado watch and a tornado warning.

Here’s the difference between the two.

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Tornado Watches

This means that you should be on the lookout for signs of a storm, such as dark clouds or large hail. If you see these signs, take shelter immediately and listen to your local news for updates.

Tornado Warnings

This means that you should take shelter immediately and avoid windows. Stay tuned to your local news for updates and instructions from authorities.

Knowing the difference between a tornado watch and warning can help you stay safe in the event of a storm. So next time you hear one issued, take it seriously and take cover!

what to do tornado warning

What If You are Outside?

If there are none available, try to look for ditch areas or low areas and take cover as much as you can. Make sure to protect your head at all costs and lay face down on the ground.

What If You are Driving?

Get out of the car and look for a nearby structure. Make sure to avoid taking shelter in areas like an underpass, as these can act as wind tunnels during tornados.