Understanding tornado terminology

The National Weather Service has a system of advisories, watches, and warnings to inform the public about weather conditions in their area. When one of them is issued, it's posted on the NWS website and social media platforms as well as over NOAA All Hazards Radio. In addition, commercial weather sources like AccuWeather will post the information. The system works very well--as long as viewers understand the terminology.

In the case of a tornado, it's even more important for viewers, listeners, and readers to know what each type of advisory means. Here's a simple review of the different types of tornado advisories and what actions are necessary to keep you safe in each situation.

Tornado Watch

When the Storm Prediction Center determines that conditions in an area are favorable for the formation of tornadoes, a tornado watch will be issued. This is perhaps the most-misunderstood advisory because it is often given while conditions don't appear stormy. However, that's the very point of the watch. It tells you to "watch" conditions with the knowledge that a tornado could occur.

Most of the time, a tornado watch does not justify any action beyond simply being weather-aware and monitoring some form of weather updates. However, you should be prepared to take shelter if a tornado warning or other severe condition emerges.

Tornado Warning

As severe conditions develop, radar or ground spotters may identify a possible tornado. This information is received by a local National Weather Service office, where meteorologists will decide whether a tornado warning should be issued. Unlike a watch, a tornado warning means that there is a tornado in the area, and persons in and near the warned area should take shelter.

If a tornado warning is issued for your location, you should immediately take cover. The ideal location is a basement or at least an interior room on the lowest floor of the structure. Highway underpasses are not safe. Neither are mobile homes or large, open structures like gymnasiums. Take cover until the threat has passed.

Tornado Emergency

The rarest and most serious advisory is a tornado emergency. This is issued when there is a confirmed and immediate threat to life and property from a strong tornado. There may be information from trained spotters or even live news footage of an active tornado on the ground in a populated area.

A tornado emergency is a very dangerous situation, and there is no time to waste. Many tornado deaths occur when people attempt to watch a tornado or outrun it in a car. With a tornado emergency, you must get to a sturdy shelter immediately. It's a matter of life and death.

People sometimes get complacent about tornado watches and warnings, and they may not even take a tornado emergency seriously. Remember that a tornado watch means to be alert, a tornado warning means to take action immediately, and a tornado emergency is a potentially catastrophic situation. As long as you keep these terms straight, you'll be safe during severe weather.

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