Picture this: you’re sitting in your favorite chair, having a coffee, and scrolling on Facebook. All of a sudden, a loud beeping comes from your phone…it’s a tornado watch alert. But what does this mean? Is it the same as a tornado warning? Should you pack your things, gather your family, and run?
Tornado Watch Explained
Tornado watches are not the same as tornado warnings, but they are a warning. A warning to be taken seriously! A tornado watch means that you are in an area where tornados or a thunderstorm causing a tornado is possible. When your area is under a tornado watch, you should begin to plan for the worst, just in case.
A tornado warning is a direct warning to residents: You are in the path of an incoming tornado and to take cover, and prepare. A tornado warning means that a tornado is imminent.
What Happens During a Tornado Watch?
NOAA‘s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) usually issues the tornado watch hours before the event, and they keep an eye on your area. Since this watch may not turn into a severe weather event, it is a watch-and-wait situation. A watch usually covers a broad region. If a tornado forms in a smaller area…your tornado watch will become a tornado warning.
Sometimes, if you look to the skies, you will notice signs before you get that scary alert on your phone…
Possible Warning Signs of A Tornado
- A greenish-dark sky
- Large hail, often in place of rain
- Wall clouds or flying debris (take cover!)
- A sudden standstill of the wind
- A loud roaring sound, similar to an oncoming train
After a tornado watch warning, stay calm, prepare for the worst, stay plugged in, and keep your devices charged.
Being Prepared For a Tornado Watch
Tornado watches often last several hours and cover a broad area (as we noted above). Tornado warnings cover a smaller area and often last for a shorter time frame. So, tornado watches give us time to prepare for a possible tornado.
Things you can do in the meantime:
- Pay close attention to weather alerts for your area
- Pick a safe area away from doors and windows for your family to gather (don’t forget to bring your pets!)
- Have a practice tornado drill with your family or roommates
- Make an emergency preparedness kit for your safe room with food, water, and flashlights/candles for the next 72 hours (at least!).
- Stay in or near the safe area if the tornado watch is upgraded to a warning.
The important thing is not to panic, stay informed, and do what you can to prepare. If you do not have supplies during the watch, take this as a warning. Gather supplies before a severe event happens.
Take Tornado Watches Seriously
Regardless of what people on social media or in your inner circle say, take these warnings seriously! A tornado watch can quickly turn into a warning, and it’s best to be prepared for one before it happens.
Always keep your emergency preparedness kit up to date, stay informed, and be safe!
Be aware, and stay safe!
Found this article useful? please share it with your friends!
And to stay up to date with our latest content, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook!
