People have often misunderstood the differences between an issued watch and warning.  It is necessary for you to understand the difference between the two.  This Climate Awareness Brochure is provided to inform you and your family of the differences between the two severe weather indicators.  A severe weather event is one that can produce damaging winds and hail.  It is important to educate children of the conditions that may arise in the atmosphere over their home when they are alone. Knowing the difference between a watch and a warning can mean the difference between life and death. 

Watches

When a watch is issued, severe weather is possible within the designated watch area.  This means that conditions exist in the atmosphere that may become serious.  Once a watch is issued for your area be sure to watch the sky outside.  Although the sky might be clear like a beautiful day, understand that weather conditions can change within minutes and skies may become black as night.  Again, watches indicate that conditions are favorable for severe weather.

Warnings

A warning is usually issued after a watch has been issued.  However, a warning can be issued without a watch.  When a warning is issued, severe weather has been reported by your local law enforcement or severe weather spotter.  In other words, someone or group has experienced a threatening weather condition such as a hail storm, flash flood, tornado or a severe thunderstorm which produces hail in excess of 3/4 inch in diameter with wind gusts of 58 mph or greater in the designated area.  When this occurs, it is necessary to take action immediately and be aware of any violent weather condition.  Many times people take the issued warning lightly and do nothing to take precautions.  This may lead to unnecessary injury or death.  Once the warning has been issued, take the following actions:

• Take shelter immediately in a center room or basement of a building, house or sturdy establishment.

• Take a flashlight, torch or other battery operated lighting device.

• Take a battery powered radio, weather radio or other listening device to keep track of developments.

• Make sure all people you were with at the time the warning was issued are present.

• Be calm and comfort children.

The Designated Area

Although a weather indicator is for an area with a boundary such as a county or region of a state, that does not mean that particular county or region alone will only have the severe weather.  It is also areas that extend in all directions from the designated area.  Figure 1 shows the county areas that may have been issued a severe thunderstorm warning.  Figure 2 provides the truest extent of the warning.  Notice that there is much more coverage of the area.  It is a fact that no atmospheric condition is restricted to county or regional borders.  The areas in and around the designated areas are also at risk.

Summary

Throughout the year our planet experiences many different types of weather phenomena that can cause destruction. The National Weather Service provides updates to occurring severe weather conditions everyday to large cities as well as small towns by way of television or radio. Their job is to warn citizens of the possibility that severe weather will occur in your area. A watch is issued when conditions are favorable. Be aware of the possibility that the weather may turn for the worse. A warning is issued when a severe weather condition is reported in the area. It is necessary to take the precautions when this occurs. Another precaution to protect you and your family from severe weather, is a weather alert radio that automatically produces an alarm to inform you that a watch or warning has been issued. These are most beneficial if your television or radio is not turned on or if the power fails.

References and Further Information

“Basic Spotters’ Field Guide,” Pamphlet.

“Natural Hazard: Watch and Warning,” Poster.
Available from: National Weather Service, 1325 East-West Highway #14413, Silver Spring, MD, 20910.
Website http://www.nws.noaa.gov