Tornado Safety and Preparedness

Tornado Watch Vs. Warning: What's The Difference?

At a Glance

A tornado watch is an early alert that tornado-producing storms may form soon.
A tornado warning means an ongoing storm may be producing a tornado right now.

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A tornado can occur any time of day or night and at any time of year. They are most common in the Central Plains and southeastern United States, but tornadoes have been reported in all 50 states, according to the National Weather Service.

It's important to understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning, when issued by NWS.

Tornado Watch

A tornado watch indicates that tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It’s an early heads up that tornado-producing storms may form soon. Tornado watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. This watch area could encompass many counties or even entire states.

Tornado Warning

A tornado warning means it’s time to take action. A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. At this point, you should immediately go to your shelter. This can be anything from a storm cellar to any interior, low-level room without windows. There is imminent danger to life and property. Tornado warnings are issued by your local forecast office and typically include a much smaller area, like a city or county.

(MORE: All Tornado Warnings Are Serious, But They Aren't All The Same)

Sometimes, people in emergency management roles take a light-hearted approach on social media when explaining the difference between the tornado watch and warning.

In this case, members of the Normal Fire Department in Normal, Illinois, want you to think about tacos:

-"Taco watch" means the ingredients for tacos are in place.

-"Taco warning" means we are having tacos right now.

Tornado Safety

Be sure to have a safety communication plan in place with friends and family. Listen to local news or NOAA weather radio for updates about tornado watches and warnings.

(MORE: 7 Things You Should Never Forget When Tornadoes Strike)

If you receive a tornado warning alert, seek shelter immediately. Keep away from sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes and tents. Stay in your shelter until you're sure the severe weather threat has passed.

If you are in a vehicle and cannot get to a shelter, get down in your car and cover your head. You can also abandon the car and seek shelter in a ditch or a ravine.

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