Video shows tornado tear through Streator, Illinois, homes
A massive tornado tore through Streator, Illinois, as a resident captured dramatic footage near her home.
- A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop.
- A tornado warning means a tornado is occurring or is imminent and you should take shelter.
- Warnings can be radar-indicated or confirmed by spotters on the ground.
With the potential for severe weather across parts of Ohio on June 17, residents may hear terms such as “tornado watch” and “tornado warning” as storms move through the region.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington has placed much of central Ohio under a hazardous weather outlook, warning that thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding and a few tornadoes could develop later in the day. While the highest tornado risk remains west of Ohio, forecasters say isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out in central Ohio.
So what does it mean when a tornado watch or warning is issued?
What is a tornado watch?
A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in and around the watch area. It does not mean a tornado is occurring, but rather that the ingredients needed for tornado formation – including atmospheric instability, wind shear and lift – are in place.
When a tornado watch is issued, residents should review their severe weather safety plans, identify shelter locations and make sure they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
What is a tornado warning?
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is occurring or is expected to occur soon. When a warning is issued, people in the affected area should take shelter immediately.
There are two primary types of tornado warnings:
Radar-indicated warning: Meteorologists have detected strong rotation within a thunderstorm that could produce a tornado. Not every radar-indicated warning results in a tornado touchdown, but the storm has the potential to become dangerous quickly.
Confirmed warning: A tornado has been observed by trained spotters, law enforcement or the public, or radar has detected debris being lofted into the air by a tornado.
Whether a warning is radar-indicated or confirmed, the National Weather Service advises people to seek shelter immediately, as tornadoes can form rapidly and conditions can change within minutes.
Where should you go during a tornado warning?
The safest place during a tornado warning is a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. Mobile homes and vehicles are not safe places to shelter during a tornado.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at [email protected].
