by listening to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio and television for the latest severe thunderstorm WATCHES and WARNINGS.

When conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, a severe thunderstorm WATCH is issued. Weather Service personnel use information from weather radar, satellite, lightning detection, spotters and other sources to issue severe thunderstorm WARNINGS for areas where severe weather is imminent. 

Severe thunderstorm warnings are passed to local radio and television stations and are broadcasted over local NOAA Weather Radio stations serving the warned areas. These warnings are also relayed to local emergency preparedness and public safety officials who can activate the local warning system to alert communities.

NOAA WEATHER RADIO IS THE BEST MEANS TO RECEIVE WARNINGS FROM THE   NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

The National Weather Service continuously broadcasts updated weather warnings and forecasts that can be received by NOAA Weather Radios sold in many stores. The average range is 40 miles, depending on topography. Your National Weather Service recommends purchasing a radio that has both a battery backup and a tone-alert feature which automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR...

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are most likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to know when warnings are issued. Watches are intended to heighten public awareness and should not be confused with warnings.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property for those in the path of the storm. Also...listen for Tornado Watch or Warning and Flash Flood Watch or Warning