Severe Weather: Watches vs. Warnings

Good evening! When trying to determine what kind of article to write, I found myself struggling this time around. However, with some storms in Wisconsin being severe, and with some storms forecast next week, I figured it would be a good idea to provide everyone in the Stateline a refresher on what Severe Weather Watches are as compared to Severe Weather Warnings. So without further ado...

Let's discuss Severe Thunderstorm Watches first. Basically, when one of these is issued, the Storm Prediction Center believes there could be severe thunderstorms in the near future for the areas in and around the watch box. These usually are issued when damaging winds (winds greater than 59mph), or large hail (hail 1" in diameter or larger) are expected in a certain geographical region. Here is an example:

For this particular example, the areas in the blue shaded box, and the areas close to it, should be on the lookout for severe thunderstorms for however long the watch is issued for. Usually, these watches go for hours. Something to remember is that a severe thunderstorm watch does not mean there can't be tornadoes. Tornadoes can and will happen sometimes if there's a severe t-storm watch as opposed to a tornado watch.

Now, as for Tornado Watches, they are the same thing, except the Storm Prediction Center has reason to believe there could be tornadoes in and around the watch area. Tornado Watches include severe thunderstorm threats as well (damaging winds and large hail). Here's an example:

Let's move on to Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. These are issued when a severe thunderstorm is imminent or occurring in a particular location. These are issued as polygon shapes when they show up on radar. Any areas within the polygon are under the warning and should seek shelter immediately until the storm passes as large hail and/or damaging winds are imminent. Here's an example on radar:

For this example, any locations in the yellow polygon should be in a safe spot because severe weather is imminent or occurring.

Lastly, we have Tornado Warnings. These run the same as severe thunderstorm warnings in the sense that they are issued when doppler radar indicates a possible tornado on radar, or if a tornado is on the ground. Therefore, if you are included in a tornado warning polygon, you should seek shelter immediately in a sturdy structure in a safe location because a tornado could develop, or has already developed. Here's an example on radar:

Anyone within the red polygon should be in their tornado safe spot in anticipation of a possible tornado.

So, let's summarize and break it down:

WATCHES are issued for hours and are issued because conditions in the atmosphere are supportive of severe thunderstorm/tornadic activity. It does not mean a severe storm is affecting your area. Rather, it gives you a heads up that severe would could impact your region in the near future.

WARNINGS are issued when severe thunderstorms/tornadoes are imminent or occurring. These should be heeded immediately, and you should seek a safe spot in a sturdy structure until the storm that is warned passes.