Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning

When I lived in Minnesota for a few years, reminders were sent out that a Tornado Watch meant that conditions were ripe for tornado information in the watch area, and that a Tornado Warning meant that there had been a tornado spotted and you had better take cover quickly.  It seems that Wednesday afternoon's Tornado Warning was improperly classified and that the media was using the Watch and Warning terms interchangeably.  How are the terms supposed to be used in California?

 

Thanks,

 

Scott Sherratt

 

 

Good Morning Scott,

 

The classification has not changed.  It is universal across the US.

 

Glad you asked.  Good time for a review.

 

The Storm Prediction Center issues a TORNADO WATCH when conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorm development with the possibility of tornadoes.  Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.  Generally, these are issued for a large area and last several hours.

 

Your local National Weather Service office issues a TORNADO WARNING when one has been spotted or Doppler radar shows one developing within a strong thunderstorm.  You need to take cover immediately.  Generally, these are issued for a local area and last 30 to 45 minutes.

    

Where did you hear this improper classification?  

 

Mike

Comments

[Kyle]

http://www.homefacts.com/tornadoes/California/Santa-Clara-County/San-Jose.html

Not much risk of a tornado in these parts anyway