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Tornado Watch vs. Warning: What's the Difference?

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An epidemic of severe weather is expected to hit the Pensacola area on Wednesday, bringing the threat of flash flooding, strong winds and tornadoes.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said damaging straight-line winds with gusts up to 80 miles per hour were possible and thunderstorms were expected to move into northwest Florida by 1 p.m. Most of the severe weather threat is expected to occur overnight on Wednesday.

No tornado warnings have been issued yet, but residents should continue to monitor the situation as it develops.

Here's what you need to know about tornado watches and warnings and how to stay safe.

What is a Tornado Watch?

The NWS has an easy-to-remember way to remember the differences between tornado warnings and watches. During tornado watches you should be prepared.

According to the NWS, tornado watches indicate that tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. They recommend people take the time to discuss plans, check supplies and prepare to go to the safest place nearby.

These warnings are issued because simple precautions can save lives. Warnings are sent by the Storm Prediction Center and typically cover large areas, covering numerous counties and even states.

What is a tornado warning?

Tornado warnings are the more severe warnings. NWS says so If there are tornado warnings, you should take action.

Tornado warnings are issued when a tornado is sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property and anyone who receives a tornado warning should immediately move to the safest location in their area.

Warnings typically cover a much smaller area (about the size of a city or small county) that may be affected by a tornado, identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter or law enforcement officer observing the storm becomes. And unlike watches, tornado warnings are issued by your local weather service.

How do you stay safe during a tornado?

NWS has a good list of tips to keep in mind to stay safe during a tornado.

  • Go to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, a basement, or a safe room.
  • Avoid windows.
  • If you are in an RV or outdoors, find the nearest suitable shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Sheds and storage rooms are not safe shelter.
  • If you are at work or school, follow your tornado drill and move quickly and calmly to your tornado shelter location. Avoid going into large open spaces such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or lecture halls.
  • If you are traveling in a vehicle, drive to the nearest animal shelter. If you think you can't make it, get into your car and cover your head, or leave your car and seek shelter in a low area such as a ditch or ravine.

How do you know when a tornado is coming?

The best way to know if a tornado is coming is to regularly check weather forecasts, listen to local news or listen to a weather radio from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Communities will provide warnings. So check your local government's online resources to see how they send out alerts and make sure you're signed up for any weather alerts.

The Emergency Medical Services Authority provides a list of several atmospheric warning signs that could indicate a tornado is nearby:

  • A dark, often greenish sky
  • Wall clouds or an approaching debris cloud
  • Big hail, often without rain
  • Before a tornado strikes, the wind can die down and the air can become very calm
  • A loud roar similar to a freight train may be heard
  • An approaching cloud of debris, even if no funnel is visible

Strong tornadoes can last up to 20 minutes or longer and have winds of up to 200 miles per hour, according to the NWS. Violent tornadoes can last up to an hour, with wind speeds of up to 200 and 300 miles per hour.

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