what is worse, a tornado warning or a tornado watch?

Question

What exactly does each mean?

Answer 1

Tornado Watch
A tornado Watch means conditions are condusive to thunderstorm development which could possibly lead to a tornado. There are 2 types of tornado watches, the regular tornado watch which it used in most cases and the PDS (particulary dangerous situation) watch. A PDS watch is usually issued when the SPC see conditions coming together that could possibly lead to destructive long track violent tornadoes (EF4-EF5). (PDS Severe thunderstorm watches are also issued when a extremely severe squall line known as a derecho is possible) Tornadoes are much more likely to occur in a tornado watch box than a severe thundetstorm watch box. There is no gaurentee whatsoever that you will even see a storm let alone a tornado however is best to pay attention to changing weather conditions and have a plan ready just incase
The national Storm Prediction Center issues all severe thunderstorm and tornado watches for the United States
On the SPC site you can look at data for a particular tornado watch including the probability tables . All types of severe weather wether its large hail, strong winds ect are more likely to occur in a tornado watch rather than a Severe thundetstorm watch

Please remember if you are close to a tornado watch box, you should consider yourself in the watch itself. Conditions are favorable in and close to the actual watch box itself

Tornado Warning
1, A tornado warning is issued when a severe storm spotter/law enforcement, even the general public see a rotating wall cloud/funnel/tornado.
2, a Tornado warning is also issued if on NWS doppler radar strong rotation is seen. This is a very common reason why tornado warnings are issued and have greatly increased the lead time and have saved numerous lives. Doppler Radar does not actually see the tornado, it sees the mesocyclone and a algrothern is used to produce a Tornado vortex signature.
the warning is by far the most dangerous of the two, trying to figure out what to do when a warning is issued cost people their lives.
Severe thunderstorm warning sometimes become tornado warnings, its critically important to pay attention especially if supercell thunderstorms are possible in your area.

Your local National Weather Service office issues all tornado/svr/flash flood ect warnings. For example if a tornado warning is issued for my area if would read. The National Weather Service in Romeoville has issued a tornado warning effective untill 545 for the following areas

Answer 2

A warning is worse as it means a tornado is either spotted or indicated. Looking at things up there I see that parts of Delaware are under a Tornado Watch, but I do not see any Tornado Warnings at this time. The news probably meant a watch. Nevertheless remain alert in case a warning is issued for you area.

Answer 3

A tornado warning means that they have spotted a tornado near. A tornado watch means that conditions are good for a tornado to come about.

Answer 4

Basically a tornado watch means that the weather conditions are right for a tornado to occur. A tornado warning usually means that a tornado is occuring and very possibly headed your way. Take cover until it's over.

Answer 5

A tornado warning means an actual tornado has been spotted in your area. You should take cover immediately. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for a formation of a tornado, so you should be on the alert, but no need to take cover.

Answer 6

A tornado WATCH means conditions are right for a tornado to occur. A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted in the posted area or is visible on radar. A location of the sighting is normally given along with its projected movement.

Answer 7

A tornado Warning means a tornado was spotted
A tornado watch means a tornado is possible.

Answer 8

A tornado watch means that atmospheric conditions are favorable to the formation of a tornado.
A tornado warning means that an actual tornado or funnel cloud, or a doppler "hook" signal, has been spotted. This is a more dangerous situation.

Answer 9

a tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to occur. A tornado warning means that there is a tornado that has been spotted so go wherever your safe spot is for a tornado.

Answer 10

a tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted. and a tornado watch means that conditions are right for tornados to form