What is a Tornado Watch?

People moving into areas where tornadoes are common may hear the term "tornado watch" without knowing exactly what it means. A tornado watch means that weather conditions in and around the watch area are going to deteriorate and tornado activity is possible. The Storms Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma issues tornado watches. The center analyzes conditions in storm-prone areas and determines whether tornado activity is likely. A watch is then issued.

A tornado watch is defined in a rectangular area, sometimes covering hundreds of square miles. The tornado watch is usually of several hours' duration and is issued some time before severe weather is expected in the area. The advance issuance is designed to warn people that bad weather is approaching and give them time to review safety precautions and take action to keep themselves safe.

A tornado watch is not the same kind of advisory as a tornado warning. A warning is issued by the local National Weather Service office and means that a funnel cloud has either been sighted by a trained spotter or is indicated on radar. Tornado warnings are issued for specific areas of one county at a time. During a tornado warning, the emergency management agency of the county sounds tornado sirens in the affected areas.

Even if the sun is shining when a tornado watch is issued, a person should take the advisory very seriously. A tornado warning may never be issued, but it's a good bet that severe thunderstorms will move through the area, and these carry high winds, cloud-to-ground lightning and sometimes hail. Straight-line winds are also a risk with severe thunderstorms.

Those who live in tornado-prone areas usually have NOAA weather radios that sound an alarm when their county goes under a tornado watch or warning. These are especially important at night, since sirens may not be audible over high winds, but the alarm is sufficiently loud to wake even a sound sleeper. A tornado watch should always mandate action, even if it is just to monitor weather conditions. Doing so may save a life.

A tornado watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service when weather conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. It doesn't mean a tornado has been spotted but indicates that you should be prepared and vigilant for potential severe weather, including the possibility of tornadoes forming.

A tornado watch suggests that tornadoes are possible, while a tornado warning, issued by the National Weather Service, means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. During a warning, immediate action is crucial as there is a direct threat to life and property in the path of the storm.

During a tornado watch, stay informed by monitoring weather updates and have a plan in place. Identify a safe shelter, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, and gather emergency supplies, including water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. Stay ready to act if the watch escalates to a warning.

The duration of a tornado watch can vary, but they typically last for several hours. The National Weather Service will specify the time frame when issuing the watch. It's important to remain alert throughout the entire watch period, as conditions can change rapidly, potentially leading to a tornado warning.

Yes, a tornado watch can be upgraded to a tornado warning if tornadoes become imminent or are reported by spotters or indicated by radar. This upgrade signifies an immediate threat, and those in the affected area should seek shelter immediately and follow safety instructions from local authorities.

The frequency of tornado watches depends on geographic location and time of year. Tornado-prone areas, particularly in the central United States known as "Tornado Alley," may experience a higher number of watches during peak tornado season, which typically runs from early spring through summer, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.