Tornado Watch Versus A Warning : What Every Homeowner Should Know

Anyone who lives in an area where tornadoes are common knows how serious an event it can be. However, many people can go their whole lives without suffering devastating consequences from a tornado. Because of that, they may not know how a tornado watch differs from a tornado warning.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado watch when the weather conditions are conducive to a tornado forming. They issue a warning when a tornado has been sighted, which means you must shelter immediately. You should prepare yourself and your shelter during a tornado watch, as you won’t have much time when a warning is issued.

The ideal tornado shelter is a low-level room without any windows, but that’s not an option for everyone. In that case, you should at least pick a room with minimal glass and make sure you have essentials, like water. Follow along as we explore what everyone should know about the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.

What’s The Difference Between A Tornado Watch And Warning?

A tornado watch means that tornado conditions are present, while a warning means there is an actual tornado. Some people panic when a tornado watch is issued, but that’s not necessary. However, you should be aware that it may strike, given the current weather conditions. You should worry a little bit when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warning.

This doesn’t mean a tornado will hit your house, but it does mean it’s a distinct possibility. Some people panic during a warning, but preparing can help minimize the fear. You can largely go about your day during a tornado watch, but not when there is a warning. The NWS recommends taking shelter immediately when there is a tornado warning. A tornado can strike within minutes of a warning, so you shouldn’t waste any time.

What To Do During A Tornado Watch

A tornado watch isn’t as serious as a warning. You have more time to prepare for a tornado during a watch than during a warning. You can take a few steps to protect yourself before a tornado watch turns into a warning, such as:

1. Charge Your Phone

Even if a tornado doesn’t hit, a watch typically precedes a heavy storm that can knock your power out indefinitely, so it's a good idea to charge your phone. That way, you can keep in touch with friends and family and look for weather updates. It’s better to fully charge your phone before the storm hits than during a storm. That’s because a power surge may occur, and your phone can break.

Unplug your phone and other key electronics before a storm, just to be safe. It’s also worth buying a portable charger, so you can charge your phone even if your power goes out. Of course, the portable charger bank must be fully charged before you can use it.

2. Pick A Shelter

It’s not a good idea to wait to choose a shelter until the NWS issues a tornado warning. That’s because you may not have time to identify a shelter, or prepare it. Ideally, you should shelter in your basement, but that’s not an option for everyone. In that case, choose a room on the lowest level in your home. Clean the room and remove as many glass objects as possible. It’s also important to pick a room without windows or with few windows to protect yourself from broken glass. It’s also unsafe to shelter in a room beneath a space with furniture and heavy objects, like a piano. Once you’ve picked a room, you don’t have as much to worry about when a tornado warning is issued.

3. Gather Supplies

A tornado warning can last for many hours, so it's best to gather supplies before one is issued. When a tornado watch is issued, that would be a good time to collect some essentials. For example, put some water bottles, snacks, and first aid items in your tornado shelter. If you plan far enough ahead, you can also get a battery-powered radio and some extra batteries.

That way, you can listen to weather updates even if you lose power during the storm. It’s also important to have a few flashlights and battery-powered lanterns on hand. If you have pets, put some food and water in the shelter. You may also want to put some potty pads in the room, as you can’t take your pets outside during a tornado warning.

4. Secure Or Move Outdoor Furniture

A tornado watch doesn’t always turn into a tornado warning, but it’s still worth planning as if a tornado may strike later. That way, all you have to do is head to your shelter when the NWS issues a tornado warning. During this interim period, secure or move your outdoor furniture. Otherwise, strong winds may throw furniture toward your windows, where they may shatter.

If possible, move your furniture into your shed, garage, or house. While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to bring your trash cans into your garage. That way, you won’t have to clean up a bunch of loose trash due to the heavy winds.

What To Do During A Tornado Warning

A tornado watch tells you to prepare, while a tornado warning is about protecting yourself. You can do this easily if you follow a few key steps, including:

1. Seek Shelter

By now, you’ve hopefully prepared your shelter and have all the essentials you need. Seek shelter right away when the NWS issues a tornado warning. You should hear a siren, but if not, you should receive a notification on your phone. These storms can hit fast after a warning is issued, but there’s no guaranteed timeline.

While you should act fast, you must also quickly take inventory and make sure you have your essentials. That includes your pets, so immediately bring them indoors if they aren’t already there. Handling pets during a tornado warning can be stressful, so you may want to keep them on leashes. That way, you won’t have to chase them around the yard to get them inside.

2. Stay Clear Of Glass

Once you’re in the shelter, clear of any glass and sharp objects. The ideal tornado shelter is one without windows, but that’s not always an option. In that case, stand as far from the windows as possible to protect yourself from flying glass. You may want to tape cardboard and blankets over the glass. However, that’s better done during the tornado watch period. Otherwise, you should stay as far from any glass as possible until the tornado warning expires.

3. Keep Up With Alerts And Updates

Charge your phone during the tornado watch period, so you can keep up with weather alerts and updates as needed until the tornado warning passes. Granted, you should be careful not to drain the battery too quickly. That’s not much of an issue if you have a portable charger with you. It’s also a good idea to turn on your portable radio or TV and switch to the local weather station. Don’t leave your shelter until you hear the NWS or local news station say it’s safe to do so.

Summing It Up

A tornado watch means that a tornado is possible, whereas a warning means that a tornado is present in the area. You should charge your phone, gather supplies, and pick a shelter during a tornado watch, so you don’t have to scramble later. When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, head immediately to the shelter.

Related Guides:

• How To Tornado-Proof A House
• Post-Storm Yard Cleanup Checklist