Watch & Warning

One of the biggest confusions that I hear people talking about is the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a certain type of weather event, and is a recommendation for planning, preparing, and to be alert for changing weather. Watches are generally issued for 6-8 hours at a time and for large areas. A warning is issued when the severe weather event is imminent or has been reported, warnings are usually issued for smaller areas and include the exact areas a storm will affect. Weather events that are usually issued as watches and warnings... snowstorms, blizzards, heavy blowing snow, heavy rains, frost, cold waves, freezing rain, severe thunderstorms, tornado, hurricanes, flooding and strong winds.