Tornado watch vs warning: what a tornado watch means
“Tornado Watch: Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.”
weather.gov →Tornado Watches in effect right now
No Tornado Watches in effect right now.
National Weather Service data, updated Oct 24, 2026, 5:16 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →
What to do now
- A tornado watch means be prepared: tornadoes are possible. A warning means take action: one has been sighted or indicated by radar.
- In a house or apartment with no basement, go to the lowest floor, in a small center room or interior hallway with no windows.
- Get out of a mobile home. Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes, so move to the closest substantial shelter.
- There is no safe option in a car. Drive to the closest shelter if you can, and avoid sheltering under a bridge.
From our tornado preparedness guide, which links every source.
Watch, warning or advisory?
Each in the National Weather Service's own words.
Tornado Watch
“Tornado Watch: Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.”
Tornado Warning
“Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.”
Tornado Emergency
“A tornado emergency is the National Weather Service’s highest alert level. It is issued when a violent tornado has touched down in the watch area. There is a severe threat to human life and property, with catastrophic damage confirmed. Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible.”
Get ready before the next one
Also: How to make a family emergency plan
Gear: Weather radios · Flashlights and lanterns · First aid kits
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