The weather can change in an instant. Knowing the difference between a watch and a warning will help you better prepare when severe weather threatens.
A weather watch indicates that conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain or flash floods can possibly develop. While severe weather isn’t guaranteed, conditions are favorable. It’s time to stay informed, review your safety plan and be prepared if forecasts change.
A weather warning is issued when dangerous weather is expected soon or the highest level of an alert from respected agencies is issued. Weather is confirmed by radar, trained spotters or other observations, a warning means it’s time to act immediately to protect yourself.
Weather watches and warnings are issued for a variety of hazards, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash floods, hurricanes, tropical storms and winter weather. While the weather may change, the meaning remains the same: a watch means conditions are favorable and it’s time to prepare, while a warning means dangerous weather is occurring or will occur and it’s time to act.
Having multiple ways to receive weather information can help ensure you don’t miss potentially life-saving alerts. Stay up-to-date on the latest weather information online
at South Carolina ETV and Public Radio.