Watches, Warnings, and Preparedness

At times, it seems like severe weather has its own language. A language you’re not quite fluent in but you know enough to get by. Furthermore, if you’re like most people, you may assume that any action you need to take, or any weather emergency, will be communicated to you in your usual language. Well, you know what they say about assumptions, so I just have one question for you, are you willing to bet your life on that?

Let’s discuss two important, but often misunderstood, terms in the severe weather world: watches and warnings. A severe weather watch means that the conditions are favorable for this type of weather to form (i.e. thunderstorms or tornados). Whereas a warning indicates that there is currently severe weather forming or heading for your area and you need to take immediate action.

The image above provides a helpful depiction of understanding the differences in the term watch and warning. For the example cupcake watch, you may begin to prepare for the possibility of a cupcake by foregoing additional snacks or eating all your vegetables at dinnertime. You may prepare yourself so that if a cupcake warning appears, you are ready to respond to the appearance of the cupcake!

Weather watches and warnings should work much the same way. During a watch, you should check to make sure you have the needed supplies for the severe weather possibility. During a watch is also a good time to review your safety and communication plans to make sure you and your household are ready to act. When a severe weather warning is issued, this is the time to act.

You may be asking yourself at what phase should you be collecting these supplies or making a plan. The answer is right now! There’s no time like the present to prepare and plan. For help in preparing yourself and your household, visit www.ready.gov.