Difference in Criteria Between Tornado Watches and Warnings

'Tis the season for severe weather. Understanding the difference between tornado warnings and watches will empower you to make the best decisions when severe weather puts you in danger. Here is what you need to know about these differences so that you can act accordingly.

Differences Between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning

Do you know what to do if a tornado watch alert is issued in your area? What about if this alert escalates into a tornado warning? Knowing the differences in these two alerts can mean the difference between life and death.

In short, watches are issued a few hours prior to the development of severe weather. A watch is intended to put those in the path of the potential tornadoes on alert. A tornado watch should serve as a reminder to stay abreast about the developing weather situation, knowing that your community could be at risk of potentially dangerous twisters.

These watches are typically issued for a large area where conditions are favorable for tornadoes to spin up. A watch does not necessarily mean that severe weather featuring tornadoes is imminent. A general watch can cover about 25,000 square miles.