Watch vs Warning
Know the Difference
A HURRICANE WATCH issued for your part of the coast indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.
A HURRICANE WARNING issued for your part of the coast indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours or less. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.
A TORNADO WATCH is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Watches are usually in effect for several hours, with 6 hours being the most common
A TORNADO WARNING is issued when a tornado has been sighted, or a developing tornado is reported by trained spotters or indicated on Doppler radar. A warning is typically issued for a small area for less than an hour. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, take cover immediately!
A THUNDERSTORM SUPERCELL
Can be as dangerous as a category 1 hurricane. They produce the most severe weather of a thunderstorm, last from one to six hours and travel 200 miles or more. These storms can cause winds of more than 78 mph, giant hail (e.g., 2 inches), and significant tornado activity. Supercells produce updrafts of 56 to 112 mph that coexist with sustained downdrafts. Together, the updrafts and downdrafts act to extend the storm's duration..
THUNDERSTORM WATCH conditions are favorable for a thunderstorm.
THUNDERSTORM WARNING
a thunderstom is moving your way, take cover immediately.