Monroe County, Indiana

What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

A watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in a particular area. When the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch you should continue with your normal activities, but keep close tabs on the latest weather information and be prepared to seek shelter in case tornadoes develop quickly. The National Weather Service will issue a warning for a particular area once a tornado or funnel cloud has already been sighted or a tornado touchdown is reported or if a tornado may be imminent. A tornado warning also can be issued if National Weather Service radar indicates a tornado may be possible. In some instances, but not always, a tornado warning can indicate the potential is there for severe straight-line winds and damaging hail from a thunderstorm. A severe thunderstorm warning can be upgraded to a tornado warning should conditions warrant. Warnings for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are issued based on the path of a storm although circumstances can warrant including an entire county or counties, especially if they are small. A tornado warning means there is immediate danger for the area indicated as well as the immediate surrounding vicinity.