The Difference Between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

North Texas lies in the southern part of an area known as Tornado Alley. Here, the conditions are just right to spawn huge storms and funnel clouds, so those of us who live here are no stranger to big storms and high winds. You may turn on the TV during a particularly bad storm and hear that there is a tornado warning or a tornado watch, but what is the difference between the two?

A tornado watch means that the conditions are right to form a twister in your area. If you are in a place that is under a tornado watch be prepared to quickly move to cover, and keep an eye on the emergency broadcasts in your area. Watches will typically occur over a broader area than warnings; they may even span multiple counties during particularly large storms.

A tornado warning means that a funnel has been spotted! It may have been picked up on a weather radar, or someone may have seen it themselves. Either way, you should immediately seek cover! Move away from windows, and get to low ground (The first floor of your house, or a basement if available). If you live in a mobile home, or if you are outdoors when the watch comes in, find a sturdy building and get inside. If you are unable to do that, find low ground and lie face down, protecting your head with your hands.

Tornadoes are disastrous, and they leave a mess in their wake. If your property suffers from storm damage, call SERVPRO® of Hurst-Euless-Bedford to make it “Like it never even happened.” 817.595.0004.