What you need to know to stay safe during a tornado
Advice from the National Weather Service on how to stay safe during a tornado
- Tornado watches and warnings were issued across the central United States on March 10 and 11.
- A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in the area.
- A tornado warning is more serious, indicating a tornado has been sighted or detected by radar.
Tornado watches and warnings were in effect across the central United States on the evening of March 10 and into the early hours of March 11, as communities in Illinois and Indiana were struck by tornadoes.
Additionally, severe hail was reported from Texas to Illinois, and Michigan has reports of flash flooding. Tornado watches remained in effect the morning of March 11 for parts of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.
When it comes to predicting the probability of tornadoes in an area, forecasters use two terms — tornado watch and a tornado warning. But what do those terms mean, and which one is more dangerous than the other?
Here’s what you should know.
What is a tornado watch?
A tornado watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service. It means that tornadoes are possible in and near the “watch” area.
A tornado watch is issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur, and the watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or states.
If a tornado watch is issued in your area, the NWS says to be prepared and be ready to act quickly if the next level, a warning, is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.
What is a tornado warning?
A tornado warning is the more serious and urgent of the two terms, and means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings are issued by your local forecast office, and typically cover a much smaller area than a tornado watch.
If there is a tornado warning, that means there is imminent danger to life and property and affected residents should take action now, the National Weather Service says.
You should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows. If you’re in a mobile home, vehicle or are outdoors, move to the closest “substantial” shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
