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A tornado watch is when general conditions may lead to a tornado forming. A tornado warning is when a tornado has been spotted in the area or indicated by radar.

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In the United States, both the tornado watch and the warning are issued by the Storm Prediction Center in Norman Oklahoma for every location in the country. They are typically issued for 6-10 hour periods and also usually in advance of the anticipated weather. It is left to local National Weather Service offices to detect severe thunderstorms and tornadoes and issue the appropriate warnings. It should be noted that a tornado warning does not necessarily mean that a tornado has been spotted - in fact, the majority of tornado warnings do not pan out as such. Most of these warnings are issued based on a radar signature, i.e. the meteorologist sees something on the Doppler radar that suggests strong rotation and a potential tornado, however more often than not a tornado will not form. However, a tornado warning should still be treated as if a tornado is imminent simply due to the severity of the situation. The last thing meteorologists want to do is not issue a warning when a tornado is in fact on the ground. If there is good evidence that a tornado could be on the ground, the warning is issued and emergency management personnel proceed as such, as the public should follow.

Some tornado safety links can be found in the related links.

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted by Trained NWS or other Emergency Services Personel , or that Doppler radar indicates a thunderstorm circulation which can spawn a tornado. When a tornado warning is issued for your town or county, take immediate safety precautions. local NWS offices issue tornado warnings.

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Mortimer Welch

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3y ago

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What is the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane alert?

A hurricane watch means conditions are favorable for a hurricane to develop in the specified area within 48 hours. A hurricane alert, on the other hand, is issued when a hurricane has formed in a specific area, and people should take immediate action to protect themselves and their property.


Which is worse advisory or watch or warning?

A warning is generally the worse advisory. Although it differs depending on which sort of watch or warning is issued, a watch means a particular event is possible. For example, if there is a tornado watch, it means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to form. A warning means the event is expected or probable. In a tornado warning, for example, it means that a tornado has been spotted or is forming.


Is a storm watch worse than a storm warning?

No, a storm warning is considered more serious than a storm watch. A storm watch means that severe weather is possible in the area, while a storm warning indicates that severe weather is occurring or imminent. It is important to take precautions and seek shelter during a storm warning.


What is a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

A tornado watch means that weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form in a particular area, and people should stay alert and prepared. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted or detected on radar in the area, and immediate action should be taken to seek shelter.


What is worst a tornado watch or warning?

"Worse" is not the word, let's say "more important": Tornado warning is more important. A tornado "watch" means weather conditions are such that there is a possibility a tornado could form. But there have been no tornadoes as of yet. A Tornado warning means A tornado has been spotted/touched down in your alert area. You should take cover if a tornado warning is issued for your area; go into a cellar, or the lowest, most inner part of your house where there are no windows (a downstairs or basement bathroom is ideal). Tornado watch? Merely continue to monitor the weather broadcasts.

Related Questions

Is a hurricane watch worse than a hurricane warning?

No. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected in the next 36 hours. So a warning indicates a greater danger.


Is a hurricane watch or a hurricane warning more serious?

A hurricane warning is more serious than a hurricane watch. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within a specified area, typically within 36 hours. A hurricane watch, on the other hand, means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, usually within 48 hours.


What is the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane alert?

A hurricane watch means conditions are favorable for a hurricane to develop in the specified area within 48 hours. A hurricane alert, on the other hand, is issued when a hurricane has formed in a specific area, and people should take immediate action to protect themselves and their property.


What is the difference between watch and a hurricane warning?

A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected in an area within 36 hours.A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible in the next 48 hours.The term hurricane alert does not show up in the NOAA weather glossary.


What is the difference between a weather watch a weather advisory and a weather warning?

A severe weather watch informs you when the conditions are right for severe weather to happen, while a warning means it is happening or is imminent, and is warning you to take immediate action.


What is the definition of hurricane watch?

A hurricane watch means conditions are favorable for a hurricane to develop, or if it has developed, it may approach your area. This is when you should start planning on precautions to take should it turn into a hurricane warning. A hurricane warning means one has developed and is predicted to hit your area. This is when you should start taking immediate precautions. For information on what precautions to take during a hurricane, see the related link below.


If people are asked to evacuate during a hurricane watch they are being asked to?

If people are asked to evacuate during a hurricane watch, they are being asked to prepare for the possibility of evacuating if conditions worsen and a hurricane warning is issued. It is important to stay informed and be ready to leave if necessary to ensure safety.


How close is a hurricane in a hurricane watch?

A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.


What is the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning?

A storm watch means that the weather has the chance of turning into a storm. A storm warning means that the weather has turned bad and is headed your way.


Compare and contrast a watch and a warning?

A warning is worse. It means that something (like a tornado) has been detected or the threat of one is imminent. A watch means the overall conditions are favorable to form bad weather (such as a tornado) in a general area.


What are the differences between children who watch cartoons and adults who watch cartoons?

No difference except one is mature.


What is the difference between a tornado and a tornado watch?

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. A tornado watch is a weather advisory that indicates that conditions in a region are favorable for the formation of tornadoes.