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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.
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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:
- Monitor the latest forecasts and weather alerts.
- Review your emergency plan.
- Be prepared to move to a safe location if conditions worsen.
- Keep a way to receive weather warnings, such as a smartphone, local TV or radio, or NOAA Weather Radio.
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:
- Move immediately to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
- Stay away from windows and exterior walls.
- If possible, protect yourself with a mattress, blankets or a helmet.
- If you're in a mobile home, leave it and seek shelter in a sturdy building.
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:
- Move indoors and stay away from windows.
- Avoid using corded electrical devices and plumbing during lightning.
- Secure outdoor furniture and other loose items if it is safe to do so.
- Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don't drown.
How can I stay informed?
The National Weather Service recommends using multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including:
- Wireless Emergency Alerts on your smartphone
- Local television and radio stations
- NOAA Weather Radio
- The National Weather Service website and forecast updates
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Weather watch vs. warning: What New Yorkers need to know
