When severe weather threatens New York, the National Weather Service may issue either a watch or a warning. Knowing the difference can help you respond quickly and safely.
What is a weather watch?
A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, but hazardous weather is not yet occurring or its exact timing and location remain uncertain.
Watches are typically issued for large areas and are meant to give people time to prepare and monitor changing conditions.
During a watch, you should:
What is a weather warning?
A warning means severe weather is occurring or is expected to occur soon in the warned area.
Warnings usually cover a much smaller area than watches and indicate there is an immediate threat to life or property. If a warning is issued for your location, take protective action right away.
What should I do during a tornado warning?
If a tornado warning is issued:
If you’re outside or in a vehicle, go to the nearest substantial building if you can do so safely. Do not take shelter beneath a highway overpass.
What should I do during a severe thunderstorm warning?
Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, large hail, frequent lightning and flash flooding.
If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued:
How can I stay informed?
The National Weather Service recommends using multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including:
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Weather watch vs. warning: What New Yorkers need to know
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
