Plain language

Watch vs warning

Copied in spirit from NWS public wording. If you only remember one pair, remember this:

• Outlook — a hazardous pattern may develop in the coming days. SPC convective outlooks are the usual example.
• Watch — conditions are favorable. Be ready. Have a way to get the warning.
• Warning — the hazard is occurring or is imminent. Act now. NOAA Weather Radio still beats a browser tab.
• Advisory — a less-urgent hazard (dense fog, frost, wind) that can still ruin a drive.
• Statement / update — follow-up on a watch or warning already in effect.

Tornado warning ≠ severe thunderstorm warning. Flash flood warning ≠ flood watch. Read the event name, not just the color on our strip.

NWS safety