Tornado Alerts: Watch vs Warning

A cold front will move into North Texas on Wednesday, bringing showers and storms. The weather office says severe storms may happen if the front stops moving. Strong winds and hail are expected in the late afternoon and evening, and every part of the metro area could be affected. When a tornado is possible, the National Weather Service can issue two different alerts. A tornado watch means conditions are right for a tornado to form. It is not an immediate danger, but people should be ready. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or is about to hit. This is an urgent signal. Anyone in the warning zone must seek shelter right away. If a watch is issued, start preparing. Charge your phone and other devices. Pick a safe spot in your home, like a basement or an interior bathroom. Keep listening to local news or a NOAA weather radio for updates.Watches usually cover many counties and can cross state lines. Warnings are smaller, focusing on the exact area where a tornado is seen by radar. During a warning, stay inside. If you are at home, go to the safest room without windows. At work or school, avoid large open spaces like gymnasiums. Follow the safety plans set by your employer or school. If you are outside when a warning comes out, get inside a strong building immediately. Sheds and storage sheds cannot protect you from tornado damage. Tents, trailers, or mobile homes are also unsafe. Being in a car during a warning is risky. Try to find the nearest shelter as soon as possible. If no shelter is nearby, you can stay in your car and cover your head with a blanket or coat. If that is not possible, leave the vehicle and seek low ground, such as a ditch. Stay alert. Follow the instructions of the weather service to keep yourself and others safe during severe storms.