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What is the difference between a Watch and a Warning?

A watch means severe weather is possible during the next few hours, while a warning means that severe weather has been observed, or is expected soon. A watch is issued when there is a better than average chance that bad weather of one sort or another may invade our area during a certain time frame. Many severe thunderstorms affect only a small area for a short period of time, making watches impractical. Watches are issued primarily for areas where significant severe weather is possible, or the severe weather threat is expected to persist.

A warning is issued when bad has begun. This might be the spotting of a tornado, severe hail, etc that is happening in one area and headed for another. A warning, therefore, is far more important than a watch, but this certainly does not mean that one should ignore a watch. Watches often turn into warnings!

Flash Flood Watch means that heavy rains could result in flash floods in a specified area. If this watch is issued, you should be prepared to move to safer grounds if you are in the affected area.

A Flash Flood Warning means that flash floods are imminent in the specified area and anyone within that area should move to safe ground immediately.

Severe Thunderstorm Watches are issued when thunderstorms with winds exceeding 57 miles per hour and/or hail with a diameter of ¾ inch or more are possible. This becomes a warning when such storms have been sighted or indicated by radar. Be prepared for strong winds, heavy rain and hail. Also, it is not uncommon that tornadoes can form with severe thunderstorms.

      A Tornado Watch is to alert people that tornadoes could form in an area within a certain time. This becomes a warning when a tornado has been spotted visually or by radar. If this is issued, people should take shelter immediately.