Just as the National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes in Ohio on June 14, including one that traveled 10 miles, more severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across several parts of Ohio late Wednesday afternoon into the evening in an atypical June storm system.
The NWS office in Wilmington said that some storms may become severe, with damaging winds being the main threat. Large hail, tornadoes and localized flash flooding are also possible.
The agency urged people to understand the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a thunderstorm warning. Here’s the difference between the two and how to stay safe.
Thunderstorm watch vs. thunderstorm warning
A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for storms to develop. NWS adds that a severe thunderstorm watch means severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area, and the area is usually fairly large.
A severe thunderstorm warning means severe weather is happening or about to happen and you should take action immediately, according to the National Weather Service. This status means severe weather has been reported or detected by radar, and the warning covers a smaller area where danger is more immediate.
What to do during a severe thunderstorm warning
During a warning, the NWS says you should move to a substantial building and avoid mobile homes, since the storm is threatening to life and property.
Additional tips from NWS include staying updated on severe thunderstorm watches and warnings through local news or an NOAA weather radio. Move to a secure location if a warning is issued and stay away from windows if damaging winds or large hail are approaching.
At work or school, avoid large open rooms such as cafeterias, gyms and auditoriums. If outdoors, seek shelter in a sturdy building and avoid trees, sheds and storage structures. If driving, go to the nearest safe shelter if time allows.
Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by large hail or damaging winds identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.
What to do during a severe thunderstorm watch
A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather, but timing and location are uncertain.
During a watch, you should monitor updates and review your safety plan, NWS says. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.
How to prepare for a severe thunderstorm
The National Weather Service provides the following tips to prepare for a severe thunderstorm:
After the storm passes, NWS says to continue monitoring updates, check on loved ones, assess damage and provide first aid if you’re trained.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Thunderstorm watch vs. warning differences as Ohio braces for storms today
Reporting by Alex Perry, USA TODAY NETWORK / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alex Perry, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
