What is the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning

Flash Floods. A flash flood watch signals that even if there isn't any standing water in your immediate area, you should be ready for those conditions to change at any moment. Flash flood watches can turn to warnings quickly, meaning that flooding of nearby bodies of water is imminent or already happening. In either case, move to higher ground as safely as possible, and stay out of the flood's path — for instance, don't try to drive your vehicle through large areas of pooling water.

Tropical Storms. The NWS tries to issue tropical storm watches as early as possible to allow enough time for emergency prep, including the possibility of evacuation. If you hear a warning, though, a tropical storm is expected within the next 36 hours, and you should take shelter immediately. Whether there is a tropical storm expected to strengthen into a hurricane, or one that's already formed, a watch means a hurricane has the potential to impact your area.

You should gather emergency supplies and be prepared to act quickly. Warnings are typically issued up to three days in advance — if one is issued, take direction from local authorities on whether to take shelter or to leave the area immediately. Winter Storm. A winter storm watch is usually issued at least 24 hours in advance of the storm. It lets you know that while hazardous weather conditions are likely, the exact areas and timing may not be known yet.

If a watch is upgraded to a winter storm warning, try to avoid traveling, as visibility and road conditions can become unsafe. No matter the type of watches or warnings that may come your way, it's important to properly prepare for storm conditions in advance.

Also, be sure to review your policies with your insurance agent so you know what's covered in case of storm damage. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.

Take shelter. These areas may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter. Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.

Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act. Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. This means that even if a winter storm rolls through with heavy snow and low visibility at times, it will not be classified as a blizzard until it hits that criteria.

A warning would be issued if a cell was spotted on radar with one or more of those weather conditions occurring. The criteria for these warnings vary throughout Canada and the United States, so warnings may be issued for certain areas and not others.

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Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Avoid traveling if a watch is upgraded to a snow storm warning, as visibility and road conditions may become hazardous. The next stage in the procedure is to issue a warning. When severe weather is occurring or is about to occur, warnings are issued.

A tornado watch, for example, indicates that a tornado is likely to form in the affected area. Still, a tornado warning indicates that a tornado is occurring or about to occur and that persons in the vicinity should seek shelter immediately. If you live in an area with frequent reports of severe weather, it makes sense to keep track of any possible threats. You should always listen to local radio stations and television news broadcasts for updates on potential hazards.

Also, pay attention to NOAA alerts via phone calls, text messages, emails, social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and other methods. For more tips on how to stay informed during extreme weather events, visit www. In addition to listening to local officials, you should also monitor national weather forecasts and prepare yourself accordingly. Make sure you know where safe shelters are located nearby and what they offer.

Finally, make sure everyone knows how to contact family members outside of the immediate area. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. By weather-station Share. What Is A Storm Watch?