As severe weather continues to impact communities across the United States, from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic, understanding the language of weather alerts is more critical than ever. When a storm approaches, the terms “watch” and “warning” are frequently used, but they signify very different levels of threat. Knowing the distinction is a crucial first step in ensuring your safety.
What Makes a Thunderstorm ‘Severe’?
Before delving into the alerts, it’s important to understand what qualifies a thunderstorm as “severe.” According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a thunderstorm is classified as severe if it produces one or more of the following: wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour, hail of one inch in diameter or larger, or a tornado. These storms can cause significant damage to property, down trees and power lines, and pose a direct threat to life.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued by the NWS Storm Prediction Center (SPC) when atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and near the designated area. Think of a watch as a heads-up.
- What it means: Severe thunderstorms are possible.
- Geographic Area: Typically covers a large area, such as several counties or even entire states.
- Call to Action: Be prepared. This is the time to review your emergency plan, check your supplies, and stay informed about changing weather conditions. While the weather might still be calm, you should be ready to act if a warning is issued.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is a more urgent and serious alert. It is issued by local NWS offices when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted by trained spotters or indicated by weather radar. A warning means danger is imminent.
- What it means: Severe weather is occurring or is about to occur.
- Geographic Area: Encompasses a much smaller, more specific area, such as a city or a small county, that is in the direct path of the storm.
- Call to Action: Take action immediately. This means seeking shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows. Do not wait for the storm to hit; the threat is immediate.
Hazards and Safety Measures
Severe thunderstorms bring a multitude of dangers beyond high winds and hail. Torrential rainfall can lead to life-threatening flash floods, a frequent consequence of recent storms in regions like Texas and the D.C. metro area. Lightning is another deadly component, and some severe storms can even spawn tornadoes with little advance notice.
Emergency management officials, like those in Anne Arundel County, recommend a multi-layered approach to safety:
Before the Storm (During a Watch):
- Monitor weather forecasts through reliable sources like NOAA Weather Radio, local news, and official weather apps.
- Secure outdoor objects such as furniture, trash cans, and decorations that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Have an emergency kit ready with essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and batteries.
During the Storm (During a Warning):
- Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a substantial building. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Avoid using corded phones, computers, and other electrical equipment, as lightning can travel through wiring.
- If in a vehicle, pull over to a safe location, avoiding trees and power lines. Remain in the car with the windows rolled up.
- Never drive through flooded roadways. The simple mantra, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” saves lives, as it only takes about a foot of moving water to sweep a vehicle away.
As severe weather patterns continue to produce powerful and unpredictable storms, being prepared is not just a suggestion—it’s a necessity. By understanding the critical difference between a watch and a warning and knowing how to react, you can significantly increase your safety and the safety of those around you.
