Just to be on the safe side

A lot gets made about the weather in Oklahoma, especially as the temperature begins to warm up as spring approaches. Truth be told, you can live in our great state all your life and never feel the effects of severe weather. That being said, it never hurts to be prepared. If you are new to the Sooner State and don’t know the differences between watches and warnings here is a quick rundown:

• 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.

The chance of severe weather effecting you are pretty small but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. It is a good idea to have a severe weather plan just in case.