Tornado Watch Vs. Warning

When you study things related to weather, one of the most confusing terms that you will come across are tornado watch and warning. Each has its own different meaning and it's very necessary that you know the difference between them. Whether it's a tornado watch or warning, they are issued when the weather conditions are most suitable for tornado development. Depending on the speed of tornadoes, rotating columns of air is seen and accordingly watch or warnings are issued.

Whether it's a watch or warning, you need to be careful and try to leave to safer areas as they can be very destructive since it destroys everything on its way. You need to understand the two terms, so let's shed some light on tornado watch vs. warning.

Difference between Tornado Watch and Warning

Tornado Watch
Whenever there is a possibility that a tornado would hit the area, a tornado watch is issued. It means that the climatic conditions are conducive for the development of a tornado. It covers several counties and can last for many hours. A tornado watch notification is pre-recorded and people are warned with an outdoor warning system. Moreover, warnings are issued over the radio, television and even the Internet.

Tornado Warning
A tornado warning is issued whenever a tornado has already been spotted in a far off place and is highly likely to reach that place within a very short period of time. If a tornado warning has been issued, you need to take cover immediately. Whenever a warning is to be notified, a siren would be sounded for the next three minutes. The duration of the warning is announced by the National Weather Service.

So the basic difference between the two is that a watch does not mean that a tornado is actually going to happen, there is a possibility that it would reach that place. However, they may also subside and may not actually reach the place. On the other hand, a tornado warning means a tornado has almost arrived and you need to take cover as soon as possible.

Things to Do During a Tornado Watch and Warning

If there is a tornado watch issued, you should follow some tornado safety tips, of which staying informed and updated about the latest weather conditions through your TV or radio is the most important. Make preparations to get to a safe place if a warning is issued. On the other hand, if a watch is issued and you are outdoors, try to seek a shelter immediately, preferably in a concrete or steel building. In case you are inside a building, try to get to a place which is away from windows, corners and exterior walls. Interiors rooms are the best places to take shelter. If possible, try to get to the lowest level of a building and crouch on your knees, with hands at the back of the neck and head down.

Tornado Don'ts

Never neglect a tornado watch or a warning, whenever there is a watch you should never neglect to keep up with the latest trends of weather. If there is a tornado, and if you are in a car never remain in it; get out, search for a ditch and lie there with your head covered with your hands. Never stay in a trailer or mobile home. Moreover, you should never take shelter underneath an overpass or bridge or try to leave behind the tornado in your car.

Once you have understood the difference between tornado watch vs. warning, you are in a better position to take precautionary measures. Make sure you never panic in a tornado or if there is a warning for the same as even if there is a tornado, it won't last for a very long time.