02-16-14 10:33 PM

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tornadocam

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Hello, I am a weather forecaster and spring is going to be right around the corner. Usually spring means no more snowy and cold days. Temps will be warm to hot depending on what region in the United states you live. However, spring often means severe weather. As a weather forecaster and trained weather spotter. I am going to explain the difference between a watch and warning.

Tornado Watch-A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. In addition to tornadoes residents in the watch area should prepare for straight line wind damage as well as destructive hail. This is the time you and your family need to plan were you will go in case a warning is issued.

Tornado Warning-A warning means that a tornado has been spotted or Doppler Radars have indicated strong rotation within a thunderstorm. This is when you need to go into the lowest level in a building away from windows. If you are caught outside squat down in a ditch.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch-A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when the severe thunderstorms are favorable. Residents in the watch area should prepare for damaging straight line winds and large hail. Thunderstorm Watches are issued when the threat of tornadoes is below 5%. So the tornado threat is not zero and sometimes brief tornadoes can spin up.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning- A severe thunderstorm warning means a severe thunderstorm has been spotted or radar has indicated one. Severe thunderstorms have winds over 58 mph or 50 Knots and hail at least up to an 1 inch in diameter or 2.54 centimeters. Severe thunderstorms can and occasional produce tornadoes with little or no warning. Once a warning is issued you need to get inside a study building on the lower level, just in case a tornado is produced without warning.

So remember these terms when spring comes. I also want to make note severe thunderstorms can occur outside of spring and summer if conditions are right. In fact some areas have a severe weather season in the Late fall months.