Augusta, GA – As severe weather season continues, it’s important to know the difference between a watch and a warning.
A watch is issued when conditions are favorable for development. They are issued up to 6 hours in advance, depending on the type of watch. Be prepared to take action when a watch is issued. A warning is issued when severe weather is occurring and/or is detected by doppler radar. Warnings are issued anywhere from a few minutes up to an hour before severe storms impact a given location. Immediate action is required when a warning is issued for your area.
Severe thunderstorm and tornado watches are a common example of the type of watches issued this time of year in the CSRA. When each of these are issued, it means conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms or tornadoes, respectively, and that you should be prepared to take action in case a warning is issued.
A tornado warning is issued when a tornadic thunderstorm is in progress. This means that a tornado was spotted by a trained weather observer or detected by doppler radar. Action needs to be taken immediately to keep you and your family safe. Similarly, a severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm is in progress. This means that hail of one inch in diameter and/or winds 58 miles per hour or higher have been observed by a trained weather spotter or detected by doppler radar. Action needs to be taken immediately to keep you and your family safe.
The best place to seek shelter is in the inner-most room of the lowest floor of a sturdy building. This room should not have any windows, and should allow you to put as many walls as possible between you and the outside environment.
