A funnel cloud is seen moving across a field near Dodge City in Ford County, Kansas. While severe weather events in the United States are most common between March and October, they can occur at any time. Due to the destructive nature of tornadoes, it is crucial to understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. This knowledge can be life-saving when receiving alerts on your phone or television.
Tornado watches serve as a precautionary measure, covering broad areas where conditions are favorable for tornado development. They are typically issued a few hours before a severe storm may strike, alerting the public to the potential threat and advising them to stay prepared and vigilant.
On the other hand, tornado warnings demand immediate action as they indicate imminent danger to life and property. When a warning is issued, individuals should seek shelter right away, especially in a sturdy building on the lowest floor, away from windows. Those in mobile homes or outdoors should move to the nearest substantial shelter to protect themselves from flying debris.
Understanding the distinction between watches and warnings can help people take necessary precautions when faced with severe weather threats. Tornado watches are issued by the NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, covering large regions where severe weather conditions exist. Conversely, tornado warnings are issued by local offices of the National Weather Service based on specific criteria and reports received.
It is important to note that there are no fixed criteria for issuing watches, as conditions can vary day by day. Meteorologists continuously monitor weather patterns to adjust and update watches based on evolving situations. Similarly, warnings are issued based on set criteria, such as hail size and wind speeds, to alert the public of immediate threats.
