Do You Know The Difference Between A Watch And A Warning?

Before severe weather strikes Central Alabama, now is a good time to go over the differences between severe thunderstorm and tornado watches and warning. A WATCH means the potential exists for the development of severe thunderstorms or tornadoes, depending upon the specific type of watch issued. A WARNING, on the other hand, requires more immediate action and should be taken seriously.

What Makes A Thunderstorm Severe?

Although dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning and flash flooding created by heavy rainfall could be life-threatening and very dangerous, neither of these serve as criteria for a severe thunderstorm warning. If that was the case, every thunderstorm would be severe. Criteria for a severe thunderstorm:

••• Hail of 1 inch in diameter or greater
••• Wind gusts of 58 MPH or greater
••• A tornado

Definitions Of A Severe Thunderstorm Watch & Warning

Watch: Atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms.

Warning: A severe thunderstorm has developed and is occurring or imminent.

Definitions Of A Tornado Watch & Warning

Watch: Atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.

Warning: A severe thunderstorm has developed and has produced a tornado or radar has indicated intense low-level rotation in the presence of atmospheric conditions conducive to tornado development.

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