Severe Weather Watch vs Warning: What’s the Difference?

(Mix 93-1)  East Texas is poised to receive an excessive amount of rain on Tuesday. Some areas of the Piney Woods could receive more than five inches of rain throughout the day with multiple rounds of heavy rainfall on Tuesday.

Our local meteorologists and the National Weather Service have warned us about the potential for flash flooding during this rain event. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the region that will go into effect early Tuesday morning.

Flash flooding isn't the only thing we need to be aware of, because all modes of severe weather could be possible as the storm system moves through. During this time, we will hear about specific weather warnings and watches, but what do they mean?

A Severe Weather Watch vs A Severe Weather Warning

Watch means:

Weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. Conditions are just right for the formation of severe weather events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc., but these events have not yet occurred. During a watch, people should stay informed about weather updates and be prepared to take action if a warning is issued.

Essentially, a watch means "be prepared."

Warning means:

A warning is issued when severe weather is imminent or already occurring in the warned area. Warnings are issued when the threat is more certain and immediate, and there is a higher likelihood of significant impacts. When a warning is issued, it means that the hazardous weather event is expected to happen soon or is already happening, and people in the warned area should take immediate action to protect themselves and their property.

Essentially, a warning means "take action now to protect yourself and your property."

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These watches and warnings are issued by the following governmental agencies. The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK, will issue threat levels according to predicted weather conditions along with watches when there is the potential for severe weather to break out in East Texas.

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During a potential severe weather event, the National Weather Service out of Fort. Worth and Shreveport will issue warnings for East Texas when the weather reaches established severe limits.

Severe Weather Watches And Warnings Cover All Kinds Of Weather Conditions

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash flood watches and warnings are the most common here in East Texas. However, watches and warnings exist for winter storms, hurricanes, wind chill, tropical storms, rivers, fires, freeze, high winds, excessive heat, ice, and fire weather too.

Knowing the difference can help save on property damage and potentially your life.

Remember, a warning means 'take action now to protect yourself and your property', whereas a watch means 'be prepared' for the potential for severe weather.