Severe weather season has kicked into high gear early this year as March came in like a lion and left in the same fashion. March 2022 had the most tornadoes on record and there were also five days with at least three or more strong tornadoes. The Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma, which is responsible for issuing thunderstorm outlooks and weather watches, issued 41 tornado watches which is tied for the eighth most March tornado watches. With more severe weather forecast this week, lets take a closer look at some terminology used by the National Weather Service to communicate tornado risk to the public.

Tornado Watches are issued when weather conditions could lead to the formation of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center who often coordinate with local National Weather Service offices. Watches are typically issued a few hours before severe weather begins developing or moving into the area. When a watch is issued, be sure to make necessary preparations to take action if a warning is issued. Occasionally the Storm Prediction Center issues Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) tornado watches. PDS watches are posted when there is a higher risk of multiple strong to violent and long track tornadoes. The amplified wording in a PDS watch is meant to alert the public of elevated chances for life threatening severe weather.

Tornado Warnings are issued when a tornado has been spotted or when a tornado or strong rotation is indicated on radar. The local National Weather Service offices issue their own tornado warnings. When a warning is issued for your location, you need to take action and seek shelter in the safest location possible, which is typically a basement or an interior room away from windows. Warnings can be issued up to several minutes before the severe weather occurs.

Tornado Emergencies are exceedingly rare occurrences and are only issued when a confirmed violent tornado is posing an imminent severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage to property. When a Tornado Emergency is issued you need to immediately seek shelter in the safest place possible. The first tornado emergency was issued during the May 3, 1999, Bridge Creek-Moore F5 tornado. The violent EF-4 tornado that devastated Mayfield, Ky. back on December 10, 2021, spawned several tornado emergencies. The most recent tornado emergency occurred just last week on April 5 as a likely EF-3 tornado targeted Allendale, S.C.

Be sure to have a method to access the latest weather watches and warnings that may affect you so when severe weather is impending you can be prepared.

Tornado Terminology: Watch, Warning, Emergency