What's the difference between a tornado watch and warning? Tips about severe weather
Summer weather is finally reaching the First State, but along with the warm temperatures comes severe weather.
Hot, humid days often lead to strong thunderstorms and possibly tornadoes.
Here's what you need to know to prepare this summer:
What is a tornado?
According to the National Weather Service, a tornado is a violent rotating cloud that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can rip up trees, destroy houses and hurl objects through the air.
Tornadoes occur at any time of the day or any time of the year. They have also happened in all 50 states.
Is a funnel cloud a tornado?
No. A funnel cloud is a rotating cloud that extends from the base of a thunderstorm but does not touch the ground.
What's the difference between a tornado watch, tornado warning and tornado emergency?
According to the National Weather Service, these are the different alerts for tornadoes.
Tornado watch: A watch means tornadoes are possible in the area. The areas are generally very large. When a watch is issued, it means it's time to prepare for a potential storm and keep an eye on weather reports in case conditions change.
Tornado warning: A funnel cloud or tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. You should seek shelter. Move to an interior room of your home on the lowest floor and avoid areas with windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle or outdoors, move to a shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
Tornado emergency: A tornado emergency is the National Weather Service’s highest alert level and is issued when a violent tornado has touched down in the watch area. The tornado is a severe threat to human life and property, with catastrophic damage confirmed. Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible.
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What are the categories for tornadoes?
The Enhanced Fujita Scale for Tornadoes is a six-category scale that determines the strength of a tornado.
EF0: The tornado has winds between 65-85 mph. It's the weakest classification and these tornadoes do minor damage.
EF1: These tornadoes have wind speeds between 86-110 mph and cause moderate damage.
EF2: These tornadoes have wind speeds of 111-135 mph and cause considerable damage.
EF3: These tornadoes have wind speeds of 136-165 mph and cause severe damage.
EF4: These tornadoes have wind speeds of 166-200 mph and cause devastating damage.
EF5: These tornadoes have wind speeds above 200 mph and cause incredible damage.
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What is a severe thunderstorm?
According to the National Weather Service, a severe thunderstorm is one where the winds are more than 58 mph and is capable of producing hail larger than an inch.
What's the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and warning?
Severe thunderstorm watch: A watch means thunderstorms are possible in the area. Watch areas are generally large. People in the areas should pay attention to weather reports and changing conditions.
Severe thunderstorm warning: A severe thunderstorm has been spotted in your area or is tracking toward your area. People should take shelter and pay attention to weather reports and changing conditions.
What should I do during a severe thunderstorm?
Take cover in a substantial structure like your home or another sturdy building.
Stay away from windows
If you are driving, stay in your car, continue with caution and, if possible, find a place to ride out the storm.
If you are outside, seek shelter immediately. Do not take shelter under a tree. Trees may fall on you and they increase your risk of getting struck by lightning.
If you are at the beach or a pool, get out of the water and find shelter.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What's the difference between a tornado watch and tornado warning?
