Severe weather watches vs warnings

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - After last year’s tornadoes, people are now paying closer attention to severe weather watches and warnings when they’re issued, but it's important to know what they mean.

Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Tornado Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma when weather conditions become favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms or tornadoes.

This does not necessarily mean severe weather has developed it means it could occur and that you should keep an eye to the sky and listen for any warnings that might be issued for your area.

NOAA weather radios and text alerts are very useful in these situations because they'll let you know when any warnings have been issued.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Tornado Warnings are issued by our local National Weather Service offices when severe weather is occurring. If rotation has been detected by radar or a tornado has been sighted by a storm spotter a Tornado Warning will be issued.

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, then you need to take shelter immediately.

If you're in a house, apartment building, or office building: You want to get into the basement or on the lowest level.

If you don't have a basement, get into an interior room like a bathroom or closet.

Get under a table or bench and cover your head.

Whatever you do, make sure you stay away from all windows.

If you're in a car or mobile home and a Tornado Warning is issued, you want to immediately find a sturdy shelter.

If no shelter is available, then abandon your car or mobile home, get in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head!

These steps will help keep you safe in the event of severe weather or a tornado.