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What Does a Tornado Watch Mean?

A tornado watch means atmospheric conditions favor tornado development and it is possible a tornado could develop. (See References 1, pg. 66) Often a severe thunderstorm warning precedes or accompanies a tornado watch.

  1. National Weather Service

    • The National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) of the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) monitors meteorological conditions and determines when to issue a tornado watch. Although located in Norman, OK, the NSSL monitors severe weather conditions for the entire country.

    Numbering System

    • The NWS numbers tornado watches consecutively. Each year the first watch issued will be referred to as tornado watch one, the second as tornado watch two, and so on, into the hundreds. For instance, tornado watch 277 simply means it's the 277th tornado watch issued that year.

    Watch vs. Warning

    • A tornado watch means that conditions favor development of tornadoes. By issuing a watch, the NWS provides people in the affected areas time to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. (See References 2, pgs. 94-95)

      A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or its signature (the hook) has shown up on radar. By issuing a warning, the NWS tells people in the affected area to seek safe shelter immediately and remain there until the tornado threat has passed.

    Dissemination

    • The NWS releases tornado watches and warnings to its local weather forecast offices (WFOs), police, fire, and other emergency response agencies, television, radio, weather websites, and NOAA weather radio for immediate dissemination. Some television stations, such as The Weather Channel, also provide watches and warnings via text messaging. (References 2, pgs. 94-95 and 3, pg. 76)

    Take action

    • A tornado watch alerts police, fire, and other emergency response agencies to enhance their readiness level. Storm spotter groups may be activated. For the general public, a watch means it's time to locate the nearest storm shelter or basement and be ready to go there if the NWS issues a warning. This is the time to gather together a flashlight, blanket, extra batteries, water, and a NOAA weather radio to take to the safe shelter should it become necessary.

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