This image is of the homepage for the National Weather Service on July 11, 2008. The map of the United States is color coordinated with the advisories, watches, and warnings for that day, and these change every day. On July 11, there were tornado watches and warnings in Minnesota. The storm system that moved through Minnesota produced 11 reported tornadoes, dime to penny sized hail, and high winds. Damage from the storm included several downed trees, toppled power lines, and even overturned tractors. Click on image for full size (119 Kb) Courtesy of the National Weather Service Office of Grand Forks, ND/Chauncy Schultz

A watch, warning, or advisory is an important way for the National Weather Service of the United States to alert people about hazardous weather. As a community member, it is vital to be aware of any watches, warnings, or advisories. What is the difference between the three and what do they mean?

Advisories are notifications of weather conditions that are less severe than a watch. These events can cause an inconvenience. If precautions aren’t taken, there is a potential threat to life or property.

A watch signifies there is an increased risk for hazardous weather or hydrological event. Under a watch, the occurrence, location, and time of the event is still unknown. A watch is put out to give people ample time to plan in case the severe weather event occurs.

Following a watch is a warning. A warning is issued when the hazardous weather or hydrological event is occurring, will soon occur, or is very likely to occur for that area. A warning means people need to take action as there is threat to life or property.

This image is of the homepage for the National Weather Service on July 11, 2008. The map of the United States is color coordinated with the advisories, watches, and warnings for that day, and these change every day. On July 11, there were tornado watches and warnings in Minnesota. The storm system that moved through Minnesota produced 11 reported tornadoes, dime to penny sized hail, and high winds. Damage from the storm included several downed trees, toppled power lines, and even overturned tractors. Click on image for full size (119 Kb) Courtesy of the National Weather Service Office of Grand Forks, ND/Chauncy Schultz

A watch, warning, or advisory is an important way for the National Weather Service of the United States to alert people about hazardous weather. As a community member, it is important to be aware of any watches, warnings, or advisories. What is the difference between the three and what do they mean?

Advisories are notices of weather conditions that are less severe than a watch. If precautions aren’t taken, there is a potential threat to life or property.

A watch signifies there is an increased risk for hazardous weather or hydrological event. It is still unknown if, when, and where the event will take place. A watch may be issued in advance to allow people enough time to prepare for the potential event.

Following a watch is a warning. A warning is issued when the hazardous weather or hydrological event is occurring, will soon occur, or is very likely to occur for that area. A warning means people need to take action because there is threat to life or property.

This image is the homepage for the National Weather on July 11, 2008. The map of the United States has several different colors on it. These colors show the advisories, watches, and warnings for the day. On July 11, Minnesota had tornadoes, hail, and high winds. The red and yellow colors on the map are the tornado watches and warnings for Minnesota on that day. Click on image for full size (119 Kb) Courtesy of the National Weather Service Office of Grand Forks, ND/Chauncy Schultz

Have you ever heard of a watch, warning, or advisory? The National Weather Service of the United States tells the community if severe weather is on its way by using a watch, warning, or advisory. Each one has its own meaning.

Advisories tell people about weather conditions that are less severe than a watch.

A watch means there is a greater chance for severe weather, but it is still not known if, when, and where the event will take place. A watch allows people to be prepared in case a warning is given.

Warnings mean that severe weather is happening or is likely to happen. It is very important to take action when a warning is issued.