What makes a tornado warning a warning?

Answer 1

A tornado watch is when general conditions may lead to a tornado forming. A tornado warning is when a tornado has been spotted in the area or indicated by radar.

More Information:

In the United States, both the tornado watch and the warning are issued by the Storm Prediction Center in Norman Oklahoma for every location in the country. They are typically issued for 6-10 hour periods and also usually in advance of the anticipated weather. It is left to local National Weather Service offices to detect severe thunderstorms and tornadoes and issue the appropriate warnings. It should be noted that a tornado warning does not necessarily mean that a tornado has been spotted - in fact, the majority of tornado warnings do not pan out as such. Most of these warnings are issued based on a radar signature, i.e. the meteorologist sees something on the Doppler radar that suggests strong rotation and a potential tornado, however more often than not a tornado will not form. However, a tornado warning should still be treated as if a tornado is imminent simply due to the severity of the situation. The last thing meteorologists want to do is not issue a warning when a tornado is in fact on the ground. If there is good evidence that a tornado could be on the ground, the warning is issued and emergency management personnel proceed as such, as the public should follow.

Some tornado safety links can be found in the related links.

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted by Trained NWS or other Emergency Services Personel , or that Doppler radar indicates a thunderstorm circulation which can spawn a tornado. When a tornado warning is issued for your town or county, take immediate safety precautions. local NWS offices issue tornado warnings.

Answer 2

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. A tornado warning is a weather advisory meaning that a tornado has been detected or is likely to form soon.

Answer 3

A tornado warning means that one has been sighted or funnels have been witnessed. A tornado watch means that the conditions are right for a tornado to occur.

Answer 4

A tornado warning is an advisory issued if a tornado is either spotted or indicated by Doppler radar.

Answer 5

A tornado warning indicates that a tornado is near you and that you should get to safety before it hits.

Answer 6

A warning indicates that a tornado has been seen near you and is coming your way or that conditions are right that one may happen near you.