Watch vs. Warning

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

storm clouds

Based on information provided by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), please be aware of the following distinctions.

A thunderstorm is a rain shower during which you hear thunder.  Since thunder comes from lightning, all thunderstorms have lightning.

A thunderstorm is classified as "severe" when it contains one or more of the following:  Hail (one inch or greater), Winds in excess of 58 mph, Structural wind damage or a tornado.

A severe thunderstorm watch means that the potential exists for the development of thunderstorms which may produce large hail or damaging winds.  A watch is issued by the SPC (Storm Prediction Center).

A severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm is occurring or is imminent based on Doppler radar information or a reliable spotter report.  A warning is issued by the local National Weather Service.