Here's a look at some of the types of watches and warnings, what they mean, and how you should take action for safety.
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Tornado watches and tornado warnings have different purposes, and you should react to each differently, AccuWeather says.
A tornado watch is typically issued hours in advance by NOAA's Storm Prediction Center (SPC). It means that conditions are ideal for a tornado to form. A watch will not necessarily result in severe weather, AccuWeather explains.
If there is a watch in your area, you should keep an eye on weather alerts and be prepared to act. Make sure you know ahead of time what to do if a tornado hits.
While a watch covers a broad region, a warning is issued by a local National Weather Service meteorologist for a smaller area.
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A warning means either a tornado has been spotted or radar has picked one up and if it's in your area, you should take action and get to a safe place.
If you are in an area with a tornado warning, it's time to act immediately. Get to a safe space such as a storm shelter. If you don't have one, the best option is usually in the basement or the middle of a building, away from windows, preferably in an area with reinforced walls.
On rare occasions during significant events such as a tornado outbreak near a heavily populated area, a tornado emergency might be issued. The difference between a warning and an emergency has to do with how widespread the damage could be.
Just as with a tornado warning, those in the path of a tornado emergency should seek shelter and wait for authorities to say when it's safe to come back out.
Thunderstorm watch vs warning
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A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area.
Flash Flood watch vs warning | A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flash Flood Warning: A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurs.
Flood Watch: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flood Warning: A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurs.
What else to know about tornadoes
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How to prepare for a tornado
What to do when you see a tornado while driving
What to do after a tornado
What is the EF-Scale?
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