On Wednesday at 1:01 p.m. EDT the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch in effect until 8 p.m. EDT for Berrien, Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties.
Tornado watches and warnings: Your safety guide
When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the distinction between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Here’s a breakdown:
Tornado watch: Be prepared!
- A Tornado watch is your advance warning that conditions are ripe for tornado formation.
- It’s your signal to review your emergency plans, ensure your supplies are in order, and identify your safe room.
- While it doesn’t indicate an imminent tornado, it’s a heads-up to be prepared to take swift action if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.
- Tornado Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center and often encompass a broad area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states.
Tornado warning: Take action!
- A Tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar.
- This is the real deal – there’s an immediate danger to life and property.
- Your response should be quick: seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
- If you’re in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, find the nearest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
- Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or through reports from trained spotters and law enforcement.
Knowing the distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger looms.
Prepare for a tornado
Stay weather-ready:
Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings…