Severe weather preparedness: Tornado watch vs. warning

Tornadoes can happen at any point in the year. Yes, even during the winter months. For example, it was last February where we saw multiple tornadoes touch down across northern Illinois.

The year before that, our neighboring state to the west observed it's earliest tornado on record (Williamsburg EF-1 - January 16th, 2023). But now that we are getting closer to prime severe season which is April through June, it'll be important to understand tornado safety and the terminology that comes with it.

Tornado Watch: A watch is issued when atmospheric conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. You don't have to take shelter just yet, but it's at this point in the day where you should have reviewed your severe weather safety plan.

Tornado Warning: A tornado warning is issued when a strong thunderstorm or a supercell is showing strong rotation, or a tornado has been sighted or detected by weather radar. This is when you take shelter, preferably in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor.

Tornado Emergency: A tornado emergency is issued by the National Weather Service’s when a violent tornado has touched down and has caused catastrophic damage in the watch area. You'll want to immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible.

As the National Weather Service says, "Plan, Prepare, Monitor, Act". Once a watch is issued, plan, prepare, and monitor. Once a warning is issued, act.

For more on tornado safety, visit https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/tornadoes/  or https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado!