When conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, the National Weather Service (NWS) will issue a WATCH. When a Watch is issued, make sure you have a source of weather information in the event storms begin to form.
When severe weather has formed, NWS meteorologists will issue a WARNING to immediately alert the public and to advise them to seek appropriate shelter. A warning indicates there is an imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.
Watches and Warnings are relayed to local radio and television stations and are broadcast on NOAA Weather Radios. Public safety officials also receive warnings and can activate local warning systems, like outdoor sirens, to alert communities. You may also receive warning information on mobile devices.
- Tornado Watch: Severe thunderstorms with tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. Be prepared to move to safety if a warning is issued. Know what counties are in the watch area by listening to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards or local radio/television stations.
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds are possible. Be prepared to move to safety if a warning is issued.
- Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Move to a place of safety now.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A thunderstorm with large hail or damaging winds has been reported or indicated by weather radar.
Stay informed with an All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio
Many people believe outdoor sirens will notify them when a tornado is approaching, however those devices are only designed to be heard by people who are outside. Make sure you have a way to receive notifications inside your home, school, or office by getting a NOAA Weather Radio. These devices act like a “smoke alarm” for severe weather!
- NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) is a public warning system that broadcasts forecasts, warnings, and emergency information 24 hours a day.
- Radio receivers can quietly monitor these broadcasts and will alert when important and life-threatening messages are issued for your area.
- “All Hazards” messages include:
- Natural disasters (e.g., tornado, floods, blizzards)
- Accidents, such as chemical release, train derailments, nuclear power emergencies)
- Terrorist Attacks
- During an emergency, seconds count! These radios are a valuable alerting device, easy to use, and can also be used to check on everyday weather, including wind chill information during the winter. If your school doesn’t have a weather radio, make sure to purchase one before severe weather season starts.
- Place weather radios in areas that are constantly monitored (e.g., school office, principal’s office). Remember those occasions when the school is used for activities outside normal hours and make sure the radio can be monitored during those times.
- Weather radios are tested weekly. Make sure yours works!
Wireless Emergency Alerts
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are weather and non-weather messages sent directly to cell phones in areas affected by an emergency. You can ensure these alerts are enabled on your device by checking under the “notifications” section of the settings menu on most smart devices.
These short messages may look like text messages, but they are broadcast to all phones within range of cell towers in the alerted area. The alerts will tell you the type of warning, the affected area, and the duration of the event. Weather alerts sent as a WEA in Wisconsin include Tornado Warnings and Flash Flood Warnings.
For more information on WEAs and a list of participating carriers, visit FEMA’s Wireless Emergency Alert web site: http://fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts.
