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Zenger
Zenger
World
Michael Kuhne

EXPLAINED: The difference between tornado watches and warnings | Rare Historical Photos

A supercell thunderstorm produces a downburst, May 8, 2017, in Elbert County near Limon, Colorado. With funding from the National Science Foundation and other government grants, scientists and meteorologists from the Center for Severe Weather Research try to get close to supercell storms and tornadoes trying to better understand tornado structure and strength, how low-level winds affect and damage buildings, and to learn more about tornado formation and prediction. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Because of the dangerous and destructive nature of tornadoes, it’s important to know the critical difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning when an alert comes through on your phone or on TV. It can mean the difference between life and death.

Tornado watches, commonly issued a few hours before a severe storm could hit, are meant to alert the public of a developing threat for tornadoes and indicate the need to be prepared and remain vigilant. Watches are issued for broad areas where conditions exist for the development of twisters.

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