Tornado Watch vs Warning : Difference With Additional Information

When we talk about most destructive and dangerous natural disaster , then Tornado comes in everyone mind as Tornado is among the most destructive force in nature. Many People know Tornado as Hurricane , Cyclone or Typhoon , But all has a different meaning.

A tornado is a strong, rotating wind that forms during thunderstorms. It looks like a twisting cloud that reaches down to the ground. Tornadoes can pick up objects like trees and cars, causing a lot of damage.

Animated Image of a Tornado in the Village By Freepik




Tornadoes are most common in the US Plains and Southeast but have been reported in all states of US. Tornado can occur at any time or month. The most Tornado happen in May and June in the Southern Plains , June and July in the Northern Plains and upper Midwest.


What does Tornado Watch mean ?

A tornado watch means the weather conditions are favorable during the next few hours for Tornadoes to develop. This highlights an area and usually alerts for the next few hours where risk is increasing. It doesn't mean there is a Tornado , It Only Mean that Be Prepared! Tornadoes may be in and near the watch area. It is a early helps to save lives.

Tornado Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for areas where tornadoes may happen. A watch usually covers large area of several cities and sometimes even multiple states.

Tornado Designed by macrovector



What does Tornado Warning mean ?

Tornado Warning means that Tornado has been sighted or spotted by weather radar. There is  risk to life and property. If you are in the area of Tornado Warning, it's time to leave immediately. 

Tornado Warnings are issued by local forecast office. Warnings typically issued to a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter who is watching the Tornado.

What does Tornado Emergency mean ?

On the rare occasions during particular events such as a tornado outbreak near a heavily populated area, a tornado emergency might be issued.  A tornado emergency means a tornado is happening now or at the time of Emergency. It is most serious and dangerous of any Tornado alert.


Difference Between Tornado Watch And Warning :

When Peoples go through a Tornado condition , they get confused on the difference between Tornado Watch and Tornado Warning .Tornado Watch is the Possibility of a Tornado Formation whereas Tornado Warning means Tornado Has Developed. And many people ask about Tornado Watch vs Warning ,So here is the difference :


Tornado Watch Tornado Warning
Possibility for Tornado to develop Tornado is Coming
Tornado May or May Not Happen Tornado Will Happen
Covers a large areaof several cities, counties Issued to a much smaller area
Issued by the Storm Prediction Center Issued by your local forecast office
Message:Be Alert Message:Take Action
Have your supplies ready,Choose a safe place to shelter and plan to get there – in case a tornado develops. Go to the safer place until the tornado has passed

Tornado Safety Measures :

What should I do if I am in a tornado watch? 

If you are under a Tornado Watch condition then follow the given points: 
  • Locate your family members and have your supplies ready
  • Make sure your emergency supplies such as Phones, water, food and batteries are accessible.
  • Choose a Safer Place For Shelter
  • Stay aware of current weather conditions. Remember, even if a tornado does not form, severe thunderstorms can pose a safety risk for you too.
  • Go to the Safe  Place in case a tornado develops.

 What should I do if I am in a tornado warning?

If you are under a Tornado Warning condition then follow the given points:
  • Take shelter Immediately in a safe place
  • If you do not have safe room, immediately go to windowless interior room on the lowest floor. Cover yourself with a blanket, sleeping bag, etc.
  • If you are not at home or cannot get to your safe place, protect yourself under heavy furniture, such as a sturdy table.
  • Do Not try to outrun a tornado with any type of vehicle.


Understanding Tornado Alerts: Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning :

After knowing all of this information Some also have a question that How would i know Tornado Alerts in my Area ? So, the government provide you all facility to provide you every single information about the coming incident.

How would i know Tornado Alerts ?

You will receive emergency notification through WEA. Other sources include Weather Radio, News media, Emergency Alert System on radio and TV broadcasts, Desktop applications, Social Media Applications, and other alerting methods offered by local and state public safety agencies.

What does a tornado siren warning sound like ?

The National Weather Service has classified two weather conditions for siren use. A Steady Tone which last for 3 minutes means a Tornado watch and A Wailing Tone also which last for 3 minutes with 6sec. high/6sec. low means a Tornado Warning.


Tornado FAQS :

1. Is tornado watch or warning worse ?

Tornado Warning is more Worse as tornado warning means Tornado is coming which is not a good sign whereas tornado watch does not confirm tornado (may be or may be not).

2. How to know where is the tornado right now ?

If you want to know that your area is in tornado danger or not then you have various sources like Weather Radio, news media coverage, Emergency Alert System on radio and TV broadcasts, desktop apps, Social Media Apps, and other alerting methods offered by local and state public safety agencies.

3.What is Freeze Warning ?

A freeze warning is a warning issued when sub-freezing temperatures are expected in the next Few hours (about 36 Hours) by the National Weather Service

4. What is Biggest Tornado Ever in the World History ?

  • On The Basis Of Length : Widest tornado is the El Reno, Oklahoma tornado of May 31, 2013 with a width of 2.6 miles (4.2 km) at its peak.
  • On the Basis of Killings : The deadliest tornado in the world history was the Daulatpur–Saturia tornado in Bangladesh on April 26, 1989, which killed approx 1,300 people. In the history of Bangladesh at least 19 tornadoes killed more than 100 people each.

  • On the Basis of Wind Speed : The highest wind speed ever recorded in a tornado was 302 miles per hour (486 km/h). Two tornadoes share this record: The1999 Bridge Creek–Moore tornado in Oklahoma And The 2013 El Reno tornado in Oklahoma 


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