The difference between a severe weather warning vs. watch
A severe weather warning is an indication that you need to immediately take shelter and precautions for severe weather. A watch, on the other hand, means that the conditions are favorable for that type of weather activity to occur. While both weather statements indicate potential severe weather, a warning is more serious than a watch.
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Is a severe weather watch or warning worse?
Both are serious, but a severe weather warning is typically worse than a watch because it confirms that severe weather is in the area. A watch simply indicates that conditions are favorable for severe weather. If a watch is issued, stay on alert — a watch can quickly turn to a warning as conditions develop.
What to look for: The difference between warning and watch
The indicators for watches and warnings vary by weather activity. Here's what the National Weather Service defines as a watch and warning for common weather alerts:
| Type of weather | Warning (according to NWS.com) | Watch (according to NWS.com) |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Warning (according to NWS.com)Flooding is imminent or occurring. | Watch (according to NWS.com)Conditions are favorable for flooding. If flash flooding is possible, the watch will mention it. |
| High Wind | Warning (according to NWS.com) Issued when the following conditions are expected:
| Watch (according to NWS.com) Issued when the following conditions are possible:
|
| Hurricane | Warning (according to NWS.com)Issued when sustained winds of 64 kt (74 mph) or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force. | Watch (according to NWS.com)Issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 64 kt (74 mph) or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. |
| Thunderstorm | Warning (according to NWS.com) Issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area. Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
| Watch (according to NWS.com) Issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
|
| Tornado | Warning (according to NWS.com)Issued when a tornado is imminent. When a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately. | Watch (according to NWS.com)Issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. |
| Tropical Storm | Warning (according to NWS.com)Issued when sustained winds of 34 to 63 kt (39 to 73 mph) or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. | Watch (according to NWS.com)Issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 34 to 63 kt (39 to 73 mph) or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. |
| Winter storm | Warning (according to NWS.com) Issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent. Significant and hazardous winter weather is defined as a combination of:
| Watch (according to NWS.com) Issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. Significant and hazardous winter weather is defined as a combination of:
|
What should you do when storm warnings and watches are issued?
If it's a storm warning, the first thing to do is take cover. Make sure you and your family are safe. No matter the type of weather alert issued, staying safe should be your top priority.
If a storm watch is issued, you may have more time to prepare. Do you have a patio umbrella that could easily blow away? A car to move into your garage? Maybe lawn ornaments that a strong wind could impact? If it's something as easy as getting those down and put away, do it quickly — even blown-away lawn accessories could cause real damage to your home and surrounding structures.
Make sure you're protected when a storm hits
Severe weather can make a mess of our yards, but it can also cause serious damage to our homes and vehicles. Make sure you're covered the next time you get a weather alert so you can focus on keeping yourself and your family safe from whatever Mother Nature sends your way.
New Progressive customers
Quote auto insurance, homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or condo insurance online or call 1-866-749-7436 to get customized coverage for when a storm hits.
Current Progressive customers
Log in to your policy or call 1-866-749-7436 to adjust your coverages, report storm damage, or file a claim.
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