Tornadoes - National Weather Service
tornadoes
www.weather.govHere’s the latest on tornado alerts and what they mean.
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What’s the difference
- Tornado watch: Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Stay alert, review safety plans, and monitor updates. Widespread area, possible hours ahead of storms.[2][3]
- Tornado warning: A tornado has been detected or is imminent in the area. Take immediate action to seek shelter and protect life. Smaller area, typically minutes to act.[3][2]
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Why this matters now
- Warnings are more urgent than watches and require you to move to a safe place right away if you’re in the path.[2]
- Watches give you time to prepare: locate your safe shelter, gather essential items, and ensure others are aware.[1][2]
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How to stay safe
- Know your local shelter options: interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows, under sturdy furniture if possible.[1]
- Listen for official alerts via the National Weather Service, your local meteorological service, or trusted weather apps.[9]
- If you’re outdoors, seek sturdy shelter immediately; if driving, try to park safely and protect yourself, leaving the vehicle only if you can reach substantial shelter quickly.[9]
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Quick takeaway
- Watch means “tornado possible; stay alert.” Warning means “tornado imminent or occurring; take shelter now.”[2]
Illustration
- Example scenario: A county is under a tornado watch in the afternoon; by evening a warning is issued for a smaller area within that county; residents switch from prep to immediate shelter. This progression reflects the standard alert hierarchy used by authorities.[2]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent NWS alerts for your exact location and summarize any active watches/warnings right now. I’m able to tailor the guidance to Marseille if you’re asking about travel or international alerts, but tornado alerts are primarily a U.S.-centric system, so I can also explain how other regions issue severe weather warnings.[9]