The differences between "watch" and "warning" for tornadoes - WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & Sports

The differences between "watch" and "warning" for tornadoes

Posted: Updated:
By David Karnes, Meteorologist - bio | email

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WRCB) -- There have been lots of folks asking about the difference between a TORNADO WATCH and a TORNADO WARNING.

Here you go:

TORNADO WATCH: The atmosphere is such that a tornado MAY develop within the watch time/space parameter. This may be issued for a lengthy period of time.

TORNADO WARNING: This is the "duck and cover" one. This means a tornado has either been spotted or has been indicated on radar. The warning will only be issued the short period of time the tornado is there.

  • Chattanooga Weather

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:54 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:54:16 GMT
    Several things are coming together to increase our chances for some severe weather later today.  A warm, humid air mass will interact with unseasonably cool air that will be pushing through today and tomorrow.
    Several things are coming together to increase our chances for some severe weather later today.  A warm, humid air mass already in place will interact with unseasonably cool air that will be pushing through today and tomorrow.

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:34 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:34:58 GMT
    We will continue a warm, muggy pattern with highs reaching about 90 degrees.  The heat and humidity will combine with a trough of low pressure to produce one or two thunderstorms.
    We will continue a warm, muggy pattern with winds at 5-10 mph and highs reaching about 90 degrees.  The heat and humidity will combine with a trough of low pressure to produce one or two thunderstorms.

  • Monday, May 20 2013 7:18 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:18:04 GMT
    Expect dense fog as you head out this morning.  A fog advisory is in effect until 10am. We saw about 2" of rain at the Chattanooga airport over the weekend, bringing our annual surplus to about 13" above normal.
    Expect dense fog as you head out this morning.  A fog advisory is in effect until 10am. We saw about 2" of rain at the Chattanooga airport over the weekend, bringing our annual surplus to about 13" above normal.
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