Weather Alerts
Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes in and near the watch area. A tornado warning means a tornado has been indicated by radar or reported and is a more immediate official alert.
The two products serve different purposes: a watch supports readiness and monitoring, while a warning signals a need to follow official protective guidance right away.
What it means
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes in and near the watch area. A tornado warning means a tornado has been indicated by radar or reported and is a more immediate official alert.
The two products serve different purposes: a watch supports readiness and monitoring, while a warning signals a need to follow official protective guidance right away.
Why it matters
Confusing watches and warnings can lead people to ignore early context or underestimate urgent warnings.
Tornado threats can also affect power lines, cell networks, aviation, roads, and household plans beyond the storm path.
What to watch
- Whether your location is inside a watch area, warning polygon, or both.
- Warning expiration times and follow-up statements from the issuing NWS office.
- Power outage, cell network, and transportation disruptions after storms move through.
How HazardNow uses this signal
HazardNow groups official weather alerts with related infrastructure signals so users can move from broad awareness to source verification quickly.
Evergreen pages explain terminology, while the live dashboard points users to current public signals.
Limitations
HazardNow is informational only. For urgent decisions, protective actions, warnings, evacuations, closures, medical guidance, utility restoration, or travel instructions, follow official agencies and local authorities.
- Watch areas can cover large regions and are not forecasts for a specific address.
- Warning polygons can change quickly and must be checked through official products.
- HazardNow is not an alerting app and should not be used as the only notification channel.
Related HazardNow pages
Official/public sources
These links are starting points for source verification. Local instructions, official alert text, and agency updates take priority.
FAQ
Which is more urgent: watch or warning?
A warning is generally more urgent because it indicates a tornado is occurring or has been indicated. Always follow official warning text and local instructions.
Should I wait for HazardNow to update before acting?
No. Use official alert systems, NOAA/NWS, local emergency managers, and wireless emergency alerts for time-sensitive action.