National Weather Service Video: The Difference Between a Severe Weather WATCH and WARNING

In the past year- more people have died due to severe weather (tornadoes) than in any one year period since the early 1950s.


It seems an appropriate time to review the processes the National Weather Service (NWS) goes through to attempt to alert the American public that severe weather is possible ... or imminent.


Also- as learned by the residents of Harveyville- Kansas not too long ago- severe thunderstorms can and do produce tornadoes even when no tornado warning has been issued.


If your locale is already in a Tornado Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued- PLEASE take heed (especially in darkness) and go to your shelter area until the storm passes- usually less than 30 minutes time.


Also remember- storms in the late winter and spring often move at freeway speeds- 55 to 70 mph- and therefore a severe storm- or tornado- can be on top of you incredibly fast!