Watch Vs. Warning: Know The Difference

news image
Special Stories
7 Mar 2019 6:58 PM
Severe weather season is just beginning and now is the perfect time to review the difference between a watch and a warning. https://youtu.be/bXWZdKVoII8 Watch: -Conditions are primed for severe weather development -Issued 6 to 12 hours in advance of severe weather -Typically covers a large area -Potential for life threatening, confidence is high -Issued by the Storm Prediction Center -Take necessary precautions in case bad weather strikes, have a plan in place Warning: -Severe weather is occurring or imminent -Covers a small area -Issued by local National Weather Service Office -Typically last 30 to 60 minutes when referring to a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning -When a warning is issued, take action immediately to protect your life and property   For a thunderstorm to be warned as "severe" it must me capable of meeting a certain criteria-- winds in excess of 58 mph and/ or hail 1" or larger (quarter size or larger).     It's always a great idea to have your cell phone on alert mode or to have a weather radio present. These devices will sound an alert should severe weather strike your area. Warnings from the National Weather Service are relayed through the Emergency Alert System on most modern phones.  This is most important at night when these devices can wake you from your sleep.  
All Weather News
More
An Area to Watch Emerges in the Atlantic

An Area to Watch Emerges in the Atlantic

The 2025 Eastern Pacific hurricane season is

22 Jun 2025 8:10 PM
Severe Weather Returns to Northern Plains After Friday’s Derecho

Severe Weather Returns to Northern Plains After Friday’s Derecho

NORTHERN PLAINS - After a powerful derecho to

22 Jun 2025 8:00 PM
A Heat Burst Happened Sunday Morning: What Is It??

A Heat Burst Happened Sunday Morning: What Is It??

Sounds like something out of science fiction,

22 Jun 2025 7:55 PM
Hot Weather Powers More Storms in the Northeast

Hot Weather Powers More Storms in the Northeast

Record highs are likely across the Northeast

22 Jun 2025 5:00 PM
Kicking Off Summer with Rockies Snow

Kicking Off Summer with Rockies Snow

The summer solstice happened on Friday, June

22 Jun 2025 2:45 PM
150+ Million Brace for Extreme Heat

150+ Million Brace for Extreme Heat

SUNDAY'S HEAT IMPACTS OVER 150 MILLION:Heat a

22 Jun 2025 2:00 PM
Storms Knock Out Power on the East Coast, More On the Way

Storms Knock Out Power on the East Coast, More On the Way

Thursday's storms left a lot of residents in

21 Jun 2025 2:40 AM