I covered Severe Weather in detail in the linked post. Today I just want to post a refresher, as there are a couple terms that we have all heard but either may not fully understand or, like me, get confused. Those terms are: “watch” and “warning”.
Tornados
Tornado watch — Conditions are conducive to the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
Tornado warning — A tornado has been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.
Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorm watch — Conditions are conducive to the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
Severe thunderstorm warning — A severe thunderstorm has been observed by spotters or indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area
I guess I’ll try to keep it straight by thinking a watch means “Watch out” and a warning mean “You’ve been warned”.
