Watch
A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather in your area.

Warning
A warning means severe weather is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Watches and Warnings are issued for thunderstorms, floods, flash floods and tornadoes. If a warning is issued, move to your basement or a safe area in your home and turn on the local news or your weather radio for further instructions.

Lightning Tips

• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning. Get to a safe shelter immediately.
• Move to a sturdy building or car with a hard top. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees or in convertible automobiles.
• Get out of boats and away from water. Do not take a bath or shower.

Tornado Tips

• Move to a shelter, such as a basement. If underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
• Stay away from windows.
• If you are in a car, never try to outrun a tornado. If caught outside or in a vehicle, leave your car and lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression (not a storm ditch).
• Mobile homes should be abandoned as they offer little protection. Move to a nearby shelter.