Recent Posts
- What's the Difference Between a First Aid Kit and Bleeding Control Kit?
- Hitting the Road This Holiday Season? Minimize Your Travel Risks.
- The 2022 Hurricane Season Is Just Gearing Up - How to Prepare
- Essential supplies to store in vehicles during the winter season.
- Pro Survivalist Ranks the ER™ 3600 Calorie Food Bar #1 Emergency Food Bar
Tornado Watch vs Tornado Warning


The U.S. experiences an average of 1,200 tornadoes each year. Tornadoes can occur and have occurred in every state with the majority hitting Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Alabama and Mississippi. Since so many people live in tornado prone states, the question begs to be asked, do we really understand what initiates a watch vs a warning and what actions should we then take to ensure our safety? As we have already seen earlier this year tornadoes are violent, unpredictable and sometimes deadly forces of nature. Having a clear plan of action in place when tornado watches and warnings are issued can be the difference between life and death.
What is a Tornado Watch? Atmospheric conditions in your area are suitable for a tornado. What does this mean. Basically, tornadoes rotate out of thunderstorms and thunderstorms form as a result of unstable atmosphere conditions created by warm, humid air from the South becoming trapped under cooler, dryer atmospheric air from the North.
When a tornado watch has been issued for your area, don’t ignore it! This is a great time to review the location of the tornado shelter nearest you. You should also gather emergency supplies such as a radio and flashlight, so they are easily assessable in the event power goes out. Keep an eye on changes in the weather and stay tuned to your local broadcast. Tornado watch areas usually encompass entire counties or even states.
What is a Tornado Warning? A tornado has been detected by radar or sighted by a human spotter in your area. Take shelter immediately and follow your tornado safety plan. DO NOT GO OUTSIDE. Most injuries and deaths from tornadoes are caused by flying debris. If inside a building or house head to the basement or the lowest level and take shelter in the most interior room. You want as many walls as you can get between you and the tornado. If you are in a vehicle, do not try to outrun the tornado. Get into a ditch or low-lying area. Same goes if you are in a mobile home. As we tragically saw in Alabama earlier this month, mobile homes do not fair well in tornadoes and can become death traps. Follow your Tornado Safety Plan. Don’t have one? Create one today.