Tornado watch vs. warning: How to stay safe during severe weather Tornadoes may be a rare occurrence in the Northeast, but it is still important to know when and how to stay safe when severe weather threatens your home. Understanding the difference between a tornado watch and a warning can help you take the right steps to protect yourself and your family. A tornado watch is issued when weather conditions favor thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes in a specific region. This means that tornadoes are possible, and you should stay alert for additional alerts and be prepared to seek shelter. During a tornado watch, it is crucial to monitor the situation closely and have an emergency plan in place. When a tornado has been sighted on the ground or is indicated by weather radar, a tornado warning is issued. This means a tornado is happening or about to happen, and you should seek shelter immediately. The National Weather Service emphasizes that during a tornado warning, there is "imminent danger to life and property," and people are urged to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. To stay safe during a tornado, experts recommend the following steps: Get off the road and seek shelter, but avoid highway overpasses. Stay indoors until it is safe to come out. Wear a helmet and use blankets, pillows, or a mattress to protect yourself from debris. Charge your devices, have enough food and water for at least three days, and identify a safe shelter in advance. Those in tornado watch areas are advised to review and discuss emergency plans, check supplies, and review a safe room in case conditions change.#national_weather_service #fox_news #tornado_watch #readyphiladelphia #tornado_warning
