Understanding the Difference Between a Tornado Emergency, Warning, and Watch

The first-ever tornado emergency in Michigan was issued on Tuesday, marking the 6th emergency in the U.S. this year. This comes as severe weather continues to tear through states in the Plains and Midwest, leaving homes destroyed and thousands without power.

Tornado emergencies were also recently called in Nebraska and Iowa, where tornadoes flattened homes and caused damage in suburban Omaha and Minden. The National Weather Service issues a tornado emergency when there is an imminent or ongoing severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage, with a confirmed damaging tornado visually or on radar.

Kevin Laws, a National Weather Service science and operations officer, emphasized the importance of taking tornado emergencies seriously, as they are reserved for the “worst of the worst” situations. When a tornado emergency is issued, it is crucial to take immediate action and seek shelter in a safe location.

It is important to differentiate between a tornado watch, which means tornado development is possible and people should be prepared, and a tornado warning, which indicates a tornado is imminent and action should be taken to protect life and property.

The first tornado emergency designation came about in Oklahoma City in 1999, and has since been used in various severe weather events. In the event of a tornado emergency in your area, it is recommended to stay informed, have a plan in place, and seek shelter immediately.