Severe thunderstorm watch: what it means and what to do
“Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.”
weather.gov →Severe Thunderstorm Watches in effect right now
No Severe Thunderstorm Watches in effect right now, 5 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning until Nov 2, 2026, 10:15 PM ETCarter, OK; Jefferson, OK; Love, OK
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning until Nov 2, 2026, 10:15 PM ETColeman, TX; Runnels, TX
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning until Nov 2, 2026, 10:00 PM ETJefferson, OK
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning until Nov 2, 2026, 10:15 PM ETOsage, OK
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning until Nov 2, 2026, 10:00 PM ETCleveland, OK; Garvin, OK; McClain, OK; Murray, OK; Pottawatomie, OK
National Weather Service data, updated Nov 2, 2026, 9:41 PM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →
What to do now
- Before: list what needs electricity, keep a flashlight for every person, and ask your provider for a plan for powered medical devices and cold medicines.
- During: keep the fridge and freezer closed, unplug appliances, and use flashlights instead of candles.
- Use generators, camp stoves and grills only outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows. Keep generators that far from doors and vents too.
- After: throw out fridge perishables after 4 hours without power or a cold source, and check refrigerated medicines.
From our power outage checklist guide, which links every source.
Watch, warning or advisory?
Each in the National Weather Service's own words.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
“Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.”
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
“Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.”
NWS counts a thunderstorm as severe when it has winds of 58 mph or higher and/or hail 1 inch or larger. During a watch, secure loose items outdoors, charge your phone and keep alerts on, so you can act quickly if a warning follows.
Get ready before the next one
Also: Tornado preparedness · Emergency alerts on your phone
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