What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
Aug 03, 2010
in
Tornado
I am asking because we are under a tornado watch in effect until noon, and I have a doctors appt. at 10:40am and I don’t know if I should go. The weather channel guy said "its a good thing we haven’t seen any tornado warnings" So then, what’s the difference? Thanks
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6 comments
joe t on August 3, 2010 at 3:13 pm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornado_warning
Kate S on August 3, 2010 at 3:13 pm
If a tornado "watch" is issued for your area, it means that a tornado is possible or the conditions are right.
If a tornado "warning" is issued, it means that a tornado has actually been spotted, or is strongly indicated on radar, and it is time to go to a safe shelter immediately.
~_~
Tyler B on August 3, 2010 at 3:13 pm
A Tornado watch is issued for an area when atmospheric conditions are favorable for supercell thunderstorm development. Supercell Thunderstorms are capable of producing a tornado.
A Tornado Warning is issued when a particular stormcell is capable of producing a tornado in the warned county.
A tornado watch is no reason for you to not go to the doctor. I have been in the region of a tornado watch close to 50 times, and I have only seen a tornado once. There is a very slim chance you would see one.
Pukka Jinga on August 3, 2010 at 3:13 pm
A tornado watch is when weather conditions are acceptable for a potential tornado to occur. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted in your area and you should seek shelter.
RG on August 3, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Watch: Conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado.
Warning: A tornado has been sighted in the area, it may or may not have touched down.
ORB on August 3, 2010 at 3:13 pm
a watch mean the conditions are right for a possible tornado , a warning mean there been one sighted