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
Severe Storms for the Eastern U.S. Saturday

Severe Storms for the Eastern U.S. Saturday

Back-to-back cold fronts brought showers and

6 Sep 2025 6:30 PM
Moisture From Lorena Hits The Southwest

Moisture From Lorena Hits The Southwest

Lorena's remnant low slowed down, and nearly

6 Sep 2025 6:00 PM
Hurricane Kiko Tracking Toward Hawaii, Lorena Dissipates

Hurricane Kiko Tracking Toward Hawaii, Lorena Dissipates

The Eastern Pacific Basin has been active ove

6 Sep 2025 9:40 AM
Tropical Development Looking Less Likely in the Atlantic

Tropical Development Looking Less Likely in the Atlantic

A tropical disturbance in the eastern Atlanti

6 Sep 2025 9:35 AM
Another Taste of Fall: Cooler Air and Rain for the Northern Plains

Another Taste of Fall: Cooler Air and Rain for the Northern Plains

NORTHERN PLAINS - A series of cold fronts wil

4 Sep 2025 3:10 AM
Eagles Ring Ceremony Could Get Wet

Eagles Ring Ceremony Could Get Wet

PHILADELPHIA - As the Philadelphia Eagles cel

3 Sep 2025 5:18 PM
Slow Monsoon Season Making Up for Lost Time

Slow Monsoon Season Making Up for Lost Time

Until the past week, has anyone been impresse

3 Sep 2025 2:45 AM