Which is worse, a tornado warning or watch and why?

Question

I always thought that the watch was worse, but what do I know?

Answer 1

A tornado watch means one is spotted in the area, watch is worse.

Answer 2

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable to form a tornado and a tornado warning means a tornado is on the ground and it is coming your way. So a warning is worse because a tornado is coming your way.

Answer 3

A Watch indicates that conditions are right for a tornado to occur.  Preparations for a tornado to occur should be made.

A Warning means an area of strong rotation has been indicated on radar; or, a funnel cloud, wall cloud or tornado has been sighted by a trained observer. - Thus, seek shelter immediately.

Answer 4

A warning is far worse.

A watch means there is significant potential, there will be very bad thunderstorms moving through and to stay close to a weather radio or TV as their may be a tornado.

A warning means the tornado is there, people have seen it! Get to your basement or innermost room of your house immediately!

Answer 5

A warning is worse - that means a tornado has actually been sighted.  A watch means the conditions are right for in this case, a tornado, to form.

Answer 6

That's an easy one!

The watch tells us that conditions are favorable for tornadic activity in your area.  Watches can range from as little as one hour long up to a few days.

Warnings mean that tornadic activity is present and are determined by either radar observations or reports by storm spotters to the National Weather Service.

The most important thing for you to consider is what do YOU do when these times exist and how do you keep yourself informed as to watches and warnings when they are issued.  

I would strongly suggest you invest in a SAME capable, Public Alert certified,  NOAA emergency alert radio for your home, office (such as a Radio Shack model 12-262 or Midland WX 300) and if you enjoy outdoor activities often, a portable unit (such as an oregon scientific rechargeable cradle based model) to clip on your belt when you're out and about.

Answer 7

The warning means that there is a tornado. The watch means that conditions exist that are favorable for the development of one.

Answer 8

A tornado warning means you're about to die.