Understanding the Difference Between Severe Weather Watches and Warnings

Often times, I hear of individuals who do not fully comprehend the difference between weather watches and warnings. Not understanding when to take cover and when to go about your business can make a difference between life and death. Because severe weather season is quickly approaching, I thought I would take some time to try to shine some light on this topic. This article will be followed up with another article on Thursday that discusses how you can be severe weather prepared!

FACT 1: The NOAA Storm Prediction Center issues all weather watches throughout the United States. You can find information from the Storm Prediction Center here: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/. 

FACT 2: The local National Weather Service office in Indianapolis, Indiana issues all severe warnings for Howard County and the majority of central Indiana. See this link for more information: http://www.weather.gov/ind/aboutus.

FACT 3: Purchasing a NOAA approved weather radio that notifies you when weather watches and warnings are issued for your area can help you stay informed of incoming severe weather. Even though you may find these very annoying, it seriously make a difference between life and death.

This section discusses the differences between weather Watches and Warnings. 

Severe Thunderstorms

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, feels that atmospheric conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms. Note: This watch DOES NOT mean that severe thunderstorms have been spotted in your area. This DOES mean that you need to stay informed and ready to seek shelter if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning:  A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that severe weather has been spotted by trained storm spotters or weather radar indicates severe storms in your area. Note: This means that there is high danger for personal injury and property damage if you choose to not find shelter. People are killed every year by severe thunderstorms because they choose to either not pay attention to issued weather warnings or don't have any way to be notified about severe weather. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings have the potential to be upgraded to a Tornado Warning if there is radar indicated rotation or a tornado spotted within the storm.

What are the characteristics of a severe thunderstorm?

• Winds greater than 58 miles per hour.
• Hail larger than 1 inch in diameter.

It is important to understand that severe storms can contain one or both of the previously mentioned characteristics. 

Tornadoes

Tornado Watch:  A tornado watch means that the given weather conditions are favorable for producing tornadoes within a particular area. Note: This DOES NOT mean that there has been a tornado sited in your area. It DOES mean that you should be ready to act quickly and find shelter if a Tornado Warning is issued within your county.

Tornado Warning: A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has either been sighted or detected by radar in your area. If a Tornado Warning is issued, TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY. Find an underground basement, storm cellar, or the most interior room within a building.

Flash Floods

Flash Flood Watch: A Flash Flood Watch indicates that there is potential for very heavy rainfall in a short period of time that could cause flooding to quickly occur within particular locations. Locations that are more prone to quick flooding such low-lying areas near rivers and streams. Flash Floods last less than six hours.

Flash Flood Warning: A Flash Flood Warning is issued by local National Weather Service offices when flash flooding is occurring or will happen. Note: DO NOT drive through flooded streets. Misjudgment of the depth and speed of floods can lead to being stranded or even worse death.

Floods

Flood Watch: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for causing abundant water to accumulate on land that is usually dry. Most flooding occurs along rivers and into flood plains. Floods can last for weeks, which is way longer than Flash Floods.

Flood Warning: Flood Warnings are issued in areas where flooding will happen or is occurring.