Severe Weather Week in Missouri & Illinois: Understanding Watches & Warnings
When severe weather threatens, you’ll often hear the terms "watch" and "warning" thrown around—but what do they actually mean? These alerts can be the difference between staying informed and staying safe, so understanding them is critical during severe weather season in Missouri and Illinois.
What is a Watch?
A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. It’s like the ingredients for a storm are coming together, but nothing has formed yet. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Tornado Watch is issued when the atmosphere has the right setup for damaging storms, hail, strong winds, or tornadoes to form.
🔹 Think of it like baking a cake—you have all the ingredients on the counter, but the cake isn’t in the oven yet. A watch means storms could develop, so you should stay alert and have a plan in place.
📍 What to do in a Watch:
Stay weather aware and monitor updates from trusted sources (First WARN Weather, NOAA Weather Radio, local TV, or weather apps).
Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings.
Review your safety plan and know where your safe place is in case a warning is issued.
What is a Warning?
A warning means severe weather is happening RIGHT NOW or is imminent. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued when dangerous weather has been detected by radar or confirmed by storm spotters. This is when you take action immediately!
🔹 Think of it like that cake being in the oven—it’s baking, it’s happening, and you need to be ready.
📍 What to do in a Warning:
Take cover immediately—especially if it’s a Tornado Warning. Move to a basement, interior room, or storm shelter.
Stay away from windows and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
If you’re in a mobile home or car, get to a sturdier structure quickly.
Have a helmet, shoes, and a flashlight with you in case of damage.
Watches vs. Warnings at a Glance
Alert Type What It Means What You Should Do Severe/Tornado Watch Conditions are favorable for severe storms/tornadoes. Stay alert, check forecasts, and be ready to take action if a warning is issued. Severe/Tornado Warning Severe weather is happening now or about to happen. Take immediate action and move to a safe location!
Missouri & Illinois: Staying Prepared
Spring and summer bring frequent rounds of severe weather to Missouri and Illinois, making it critical to know the difference between a watch and a warning. Tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding can develop quickly, and having a plan in place before a warning is issued can save lives.
🔹 Severe Weather Week Tip:
Take time to set up your weather alerts, review your emergency plan, and practice your tornado drill. Don’t wait until the storm hits—be prepared now!
Stay tuned to First WARN Weather for daily updates during Severe Weather Week to keep you safe and informed!