WATCHES, WARNINGS, AND ADVISORIES
* The National Weather service considers a thunderstorm to be severe if it produces
hail 3/4 inch or larger, wind 58 mph or stronger, or tornadoes.
* Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for tornadoes, severe
thunderstorms or flash floods. If you are in a watch area, make plans to seek shelter
if necessary. Watches often are issued over a large geographic area that includes
several counties.
* Warnings are issued when severe weather has been reported or is imminent.
Seek shelter immediately if you are in or near the path of the storm. Warnings are
issued by county names. Know the name of the county you live in and the counties
that surround you.
How do I hear about weather watches and warnings?
Sirens are meant to warn those who are outdoors. If you hear a siren,
turn on a radio or TV to hear safety information and seek shelter immediately. With
today's insulated buildings and the fact that often there are no open windows, the
sirens likely will not be heard by those indoors.
To ensure you receive severe weather watches and warnings when indoors,
you should consider having a Weather Radio. Weather radios receive a special coded
signal from the National Weather Service (NOAA Weather Radio) and will give you
the watch or warning information for your area. The signals sent out are part of
the nationwide Emergency Alert System.
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