Know The Difference Between a Tornado Watch and Tornado Warning

Peak tornado season has arrived in Oklahoma! Those who were born and raised in Oklahoma are pretty weather savvy, but for those who aren't familiar with storm season in Oklahoma may find it downright terrifying. As peak tornado season begins, it's important for people to know their safety plan and know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning.

Oklahoma is expected to see a potentially dangerous storm today, Monday, May 19. All hazards are on the table, including hail up to softball sized, wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour and a medium tornado threat. The atmosphere is primed for severe storms across Oklahoma today! Not everyone will see storms, but if they do, the storms are expected to be severe with a possibility of producing damaging tornadoes.

The National Weather Service in Norman issued a Tornado Watch at 12:05 p.m. Monday and is in effect till 7 p.m. for 56 of the 77 counties across Oklahoma. That doesn't mean that all those counties will see tornadoes, it just means that those counties could see a tornado.

What's the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?

If you're wondering what the difference is between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning, the National Weather Service has a great graph that breaks it down.

Tornado Watch

When a Tornado Watch is issued, it just means that a tornado is possible. It means the atmosphere has all the ingredients it needs to produce a tornado. You should definitely know your severe weather plan and where your shelter is located when a Tornado Watch is issued.

READ MORE: Know Your Safe Spot Before a Tornado Strikes

Tornado Warning

When a Tornado Warning is issued, this means a tornado is happening or is about to happen. It could mean there is rotation and the storm could soon drop a tornado or a tornado is already on the ground. When a Tornado Warning is issued, people should execute their severe weather safety plan and immediately seek shelter.