SEVERE

Tornado watch, tornado warning: What's the difference and what should you do?

Cheryl McCloud
Palm Beach Post

Tornado watch. Tornado warning.

What's the difference between the two and what should you do if one is issued for your area?

Tornado watches and warning are issued by the National Weather Service. 

A tornado watch can be issued hours before a severe storm arrives and is intended to let residents know about the potential for a tornado in their area. Prepare yourself and your family. Stay informed and be vigilant.

When a tornado warning is issued, a tornado has been spotted and the threat is imminent. Immediate action is needed. While a tornado warning could be issued within minutes of the arrival of a tornado, there could be only seconds or no time to react. 

What should you do if a tornado watch is issued?

A tornado watch is issued when tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.

Things to know if a tornado threatens your area.

Watches are issued by the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur.

The watch area is typically large, covering several counties or even several states.

“Typical watches cover about 25,000 square miles, or about half the size of Iowa,” according to the Storm Prediction Center.

Watches are revised as meteorologists monitor the approaching storm.

Here's what you should do:

  • Review and discuss emergency plans and to check supplies and the safe room.
  • Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.

What to do if a tornado warning is issued

Know where to go in your home when a tornado threatens.

A tornado warning means either a tornado has been seen or one is indicated on weather radar and the area covered by the warning may be impacted. There is imminent danger, and immediate action needs to be taken.

Warnings are issued by the local National Weather Service office. 

  • Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
  • Avoid windows.
  • If in a mobile home, a vehicle or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
  • Do not come out until an all-clear has been given.