Tornado Watch

Tornado watch

A tornado watch is a statement issued by weather forecasting agencies to advise the public that atmospheric conditions in a given region may lead to the development of tornadoes within the region over a period of several hours. In addition to the potential for tornado development, thunderstorms that develop within the watch area may contain large hail, strong straight-line winds, and intense rainfall and/or flooding, all of which may pose a similar damage risk as the attendant tornado threat. A watch must not be confused with a tornado warning, and encourages the public to remain vigilant for the onset of severe weather, including possible tornadoes. A tornado watch does not mean a tornado has been observed or will occur, just that favorable conditions increase the likelihood of such storms happening, and may be issued several hours ahead of the formation or arrival of potentially tornadic thunderstorms.

Data Source : Wikipedia

• Related Topics:  Severe Weather Terminology (United States) - This Article Describes Severe Weather Terminology Used By The National Weather Service In The United States, A Government Agency Operating Within The Department Of Commerce As An Arm Of The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration., Tornado Warning - A Tornado Warning Is A Public Warning That Is Issued By Weather Forecasting Agencies To An Area In The Path Of A Tornado, Or A Severe Thunderstorm Capable Of Producing One, And Advises Individuals In That Area To Take Cover., Severe Thunderstorm Watch - A Severe Thunderstorm Watch Is A Statement Issued By Weather Forecasting Agencies To Advise The Public That Atmospheric Conditions In A Given Region May Lead To The Development Of Severe Thunderstorms Within The Region Over A Period Of Several Hours., Tornado, Weather Warnings And Advisories