MONDAY- THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WATCHES/WARNINGS
WATCHES
Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms or flash floods.
If you are in a "watch" area, continue with normal activities, but also make plans to seek shelter if necessary.
IF A WATCH IS ISSUED
When the National Weather Service issues a weather watch, local weather offices are staffed with extra personnel and state officials are notified. Information is passed to the county and local level. Counties and cities activate their spotter groups as the threat increases. TV and radio stations pass the word to the public.
WARNINGS
Warnings are issued when severe weather has been reported or is imminent. Seek shelter immediately if you are in or near the path of the storm. Know the name of the county you live in and the cities around you; warnings are issued by county names, city names and well-known landmarks.
IF A WARNING IS ISSUED
Warnings are disseminated swiftly, using hotlines and other tools, including TV, radio and the Internet. You can also receive warnings via cell phones, pagers and other methods. Storm spotters provide constant reports and officials carry out plans developed by emergency managers. Updates are issued frequently until the threat has ended.