If you aren’t familiar with the categories for severe weather, watching a meteorology report can be a little confusing. Here is a no-frills guide to severe weather reporting.
Severe thunderstorm watch
What it means: The potential exists for the development of thunderstorms that might produce large hail and/or damaging winds.
What to do: Go about your normal activities, but be aware of the weather. Listen to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local stations for further weather updates.
Severe thunderstorm warning
What it means: A severe thunderstorm – meaning a storm with large hail and/or damaging winds – is occurring or is imminent.
What to do: Move indoors or to a place of safety.
Tornado watch
What it means: Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to form, and these storms may be capable of producing a tornado.
What to do: Go about your normal activities, but be aware of the weather. Listen to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local stations for further weather updates.
PDS tornado watch
What it means: This type of tornado watch is issued when the National Weather Service deems a storm to be a “particularly dangerous situation” with the potential for multiple strong or violent tornadoes. Of the tornado watches issued across the U.S. from 1996-2005, only 7 percent were classified as PDS tornado watches.
What to do: Go about your normal activities, but be aware of the weather. Listen to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local stations for further weather updates.
Tornado warning
What it means: A tornado has been spotted or intense low-level rotation has been indicated on weather radar.
What to do: According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), you should take cover immediately in an enclosed, windowless area on the lowest level of your home or office.
It is a good idea to have a severe weather plan in place before potentially dangerous storms hit. The National Weather Service in Norman has put together a handy-dandy guide to make sure you have everything you need in the event of severe weather.
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