In order to understand what you hear on your radio, tv, or computer concerning weather alerts, you may find these terms and their definitions helpful! These categories and terms were taken from FEMA’S website at fema.gov.

Become familiar with these terms concerning thunderstorms.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Lets you know when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or your television for information.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. All warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.

These tornado terms will help you stay alert when a tornado is a threat.

Tornado Watch
Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or local television for information.

Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

Learning these flood terms could save your life.

Flood Watch:
Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or local television for information.

Flash Flood Watch:
Flash flooding is possible. Prepare to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or local television for information.

Flood Warning:
Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning:
A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately. (fema.gov)

Knowledge is power. You can respond quickly and with wisdom when you know how to decipher what you hear about the weather.

Photo courtesy of Evgeni Dinev and freedigitalphotos.net