April 15, 1998
Warnings & Advisories
One of the primary responsibilities and duties of the National Weather Service is to alert the general public of impending severe weather. Thousands of lives are saved each year by the quick decision-making skills of the National Weather Service forecasters.
Severe weather WATCHES
A watch is issued by the National Weather Service if meteorologists believe that conditions are favorable for a particular weather situation. It does not mean that every location in the watch area will experience that type of weather situation however.
Here are some of the watches you'll hear from time to time in the United States:
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch-Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. Watch boxes usually cover large areas, such as the entire panhandle of Florida. Dangerous lightning, hail, high winds, and heavy downpours can be expected to develop at one or more locations in the watch area.
- Tornado Watch-Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms that will have the potential to spawn tornadoes and/or waterspouts in and around the watch area.
- Flood Watch-Heavy rains are expected in the watch area which may cause streams and rivers to flood their banks. Also, ponding of water in poor drainage areas may occur. Those in close proximity to rivers or areas of poor drainage should keep abreast of the latest weather conditions.
- Winter Storm Watch-Winter storm conditions (more than 6 inches of snow or more than .25" of ice) are possible in the next 48 hours. Travel conditions could deteriorate rapidly. Precautions should be taken.
- Hurricane Watch-Hurricane conditions (winds in excess of 75 mph) are possible in the next 48 hours. Necessary precautions should be taken.
Here are some of the warnings you'll hear from time to time in the United States:
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning-A severe thunderstorm has been observed and severe thunderstorm conditions (>3/4" hail or >50 mph winds) are imminent in the warning area. People in the warning area should seek immediate shelter.
- Tornado Warning-A tornado or funnel cloud has been observed (either visually or on radar). People in the warning area should seek immediate shelter.
- Flood Warning-Flooding is imminent in the warning area. Those in close proximity to rivers or areas of poor drainage.
- Winter Storm Warning-Winter storm conditions are expected to begin within the next 24 hours. Necessary precautions should be completed. Travel conditions will begin rapidly.
- Hurricane Warning-Hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours or are imminent. Steps to protect life and property should be completed.
When watches or warnings are issued for your area, quick and smart decisions need to be made. Most importantly, follow the directions of authorities and keep abreast of the latest weather situations.
Return to Met 1010-03 Lectures