Learn everything you need to know about a severe thunderstorm watch, including what it means, how it’s issued, and how to stay safe during one.
Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to severe weather, one of the most common types is a thunderstorm. While most thunderstorms are harmless, some can be severe and pose a significant threat to life and property. That’s where a severe thunderstorm watch comes in. In this article, we’ll explain what a severe thunderstorm watch is, how it’s issued, and what you should do to stay safe.
What Is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch?
A severe thunderstorm watch is a weather bulletin issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) to alert people in a particular area that severe thunderstorms are possible. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will occur. It’s important to note that a severe thunderstorm watch is not the same as a severe thunderstorm warning. A warning means that severe thunderstorms are imminent or occurring and that you should take action to protect yourself immediately.
How Is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued?
The NWS issues severe thunderstorm watches based on weather conditions and forecasts. The criteria for a severe thunderstorm watch are as follows:
- Large hail (one inch in diameter or larger)
- Damaging winds (58 mph or higher)
- Tornadoes
- If the forecast shows that these conditions are possible, the NWS will issue a severe thunderstorm watch for the affected area. The watch will usually cover a large geographic area, such as several counties or states.
What Should You Do During a Severe Thunderstorm Watch?
During a severe thunderstorm watch, you should be prepared to take action if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. Here are some things you can do to stay safe:
Monitor the weather: Stay tuned to local news and weather reports to stay informed about the weather conditions in your area.
Stay indoors: If possible, stay indoors during a severe thunderstorm. If you need to go outside, stay away from trees, power lines, and other objects that could fall or be blown over by strong winds.
Secure loose objects: Bring in or secure any loose objects, such as patio furniture, that could be blown around by strong winds.
Charge your devices: Make sure your phone and other electronic devices are fully charged in case of a power outage.
Have a plan: Know what you will do if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, such as where you will take shelter and what supplies you will need.
What is the difference between a watch and a warning?
When it comes to severe weather, there are two important terms that you should be familiar with: a watch and a warning. Both are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) to alert people about potentially hazardous weather conditions, but they have different meanings.
A watch means that weather conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop in a particular area. For example, a severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to occur, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will occur. A watch is a signal to stay informed and be prepared for the possibility of severe weather.
On the other hand, a warning means that severe weather is either imminent or occurring in a particular area. For example, a severe thunderstorm warning means that severe thunderstorms are either happening or are about to happen, and that you should take action to protect yourself immediately. A warning is a signal to take action to protect yourself and others.
Is a watch worse than a warning?
No, a watch is not worse than a warning. In fact, a watch is less severe than a warning. A watch means that weather conditions are favorable for a particular type of severe weather to develop, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will occur. A warning, on the other hand, means that severe weather is either imminent or occurring, and that you should take action to protect yourself immediately.
For example, a severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that severe thunderstorms will occur. A severe thunderstorm warning, on the other hand, means that severe thunderstorms are either happening or are about to happen, and that you should take immediate action to protect yourself and others.
It’s important to take both watches and warnings seriously, and to stay tuned to local news and weather reports during severe weather events. Follow any instructions or advice from local authorities, and take steps to protect yourself and your property.
Can a watch turn into a warning?
Yes, a watch can turn into a warning. A watch is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) to alert people about potentially hazardous weather conditions, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that severe weather will occur. If conditions worsen and the NWS determines that severe weather is either imminent or occurring, a watch can be upgraded to a warning.
For example, if a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect and the NWS detects that a severe thunderstorm is forming and is likely to affect the watch area, they may issue a severe thunderstorm warning. The warning would indicate that the severe thunderstorm is either occurring or is imminent, and that people in the affected area should take immediate action to protect themselves and their property.
It’s important to stay tuned to local news and weather reports during severe weather events, and to follow any instructions or advice from local authorities. If a watch is in effect, be prepared to take action if the situation worsens and a warning is issued.
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Conclusion
A severe thunderstorm watch is a warning that severe thunderstorms are possible in a particular area. While it doesn’t necessarily mean that severe weather will occur, it’s important to be prepared and know what to do if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. By monitoring the weather, staying indoors, securing loose objects, and having a plan, you can stay safe during a severe thunderstorm watch.
What is a watch mean in weather?
In weather terminology, a watch is a type of alert issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) to indicate that weather conditions are favorable for a particular type of hazardous weather to occur in a specific area.
For example, a severe thunderstorm watch means that atmospheric conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop in a particular area. Similarly, a tornado watch means that atmospheric conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in a particular area.
It’s important to note that a watch does not mean that the hazardous weather is definitely going to occur, but it does mean that people in the affected area should be on alert and prepared for the possibility of severe weather. During a watch, people should stay informed by monitoring weather reports and be prepared to take action if the situation worsens.
Why is it called a tornado watch?
A tornado watch is called so because it is an alert issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) to indicate that weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in a particular area.
The term “watch” is used because it is intended to alert people to the possibility of severe weather, and to encourage them to be vigilant and prepared. During a tornado watch, people should stay tuned to local weather reports and be prepared to take action if a tornado warning is issued.
Tornadoes are one of the most dangerous types of severe weather, capable of causing significant damage and loss of life. Tornado watches are issued when the atmospheric conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form, such as when there is a strong cold front moving through an area.
It’s important to take tornado watches and warnings seriously, and to follow any instructions or advice from local authorities. If a tornado watch is in effect, make sure you have a plan in place to protect yourself and your family in the event of a tornado.
How long does a severe thunderstorm watch last?
A severe thunderstorm watch typically lasts for several hours, but it can be canceled early if the threat of severe weather diminishes.
What should I do if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued?
If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take action immediately to protect yourself. Seek shelter indoors, stay away from windows, and avoid using electronic devices that are plugged into the wall.
Can severe thunderstorms occur at night?
Yes, severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of day or night.
