How to remember the difference between a tornado watch and tornado warning

Severe storms are expected to move through the state during the afternoon on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The National Weather Service says the conditions could be right for tornadoes to develop in some parts of the state.

To help Hoosiers understand the difference, IndyStar is breaking down the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.

Story continues after gallery.

What is a tornado watch?

When weather authorities, mainly the National Weather Service, issue a tornado watch, be prepared. These alerts mean tornadoes are possible in the area under the watch.

Watches mean the conditions favor thunderstorms that can whip up tornadoes and are usually issued for hours at a time.

Tornadoes extend from thunderstorms when instability leads to wind variations that support rotation, according to NWS. This instability comes from warm moist air at ground level mixing with cooler dry air above. Combine this with wind shear, and strong updrafts can start the rotations.

These conditions are perfect for a tornado, and when meteorologists detect them, they will issue a watch.

What is a tornado warning?

When a warning is issued, take action. This means tornado conditions are imminent and have been spotted either by someone on the ground or by radar.

Warning areas are typically smaller than those within a watch and are issued for a shorter time period, typically about 15 minutes.

Trained spotters and law enforcement can notify NWS when visual cues of a tornado on the ground are obvious.

Doppler radar data and images can show forecasters certain patterns, called tornadic vortex signatures. These make it easier for meteorologists to spot dangerous weather.

How to remember the difference between watches and warnings

To make it relatable, IndyStar created a handy graphic using the pork tenderloin sandwich.

A watch means the area has all the right ingredients to make a tenderloin sandwich, it’s just not assembled yet. With all the ingredients, a tornado could form within the area.

A warning means the sandwich is fully assembled (a tornado has been confirmed, or there’s a good enough chance that officials deem a warning necessary).

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How to stay safe during a tornado

Tornadoes develop rapidly, so planning a safety plan ahead of time is important.

The National Weather Service has a preparedness guide for all types of severe weather including tornadoes.

Here are some rules when a tornado strikes:

• Move to a basement of safe room

• If there’s no basement, find a windowless interior room or hallway

• Leave mobile homes and find the closest sturdy building

• If outside: get into a vehicle, buckle up and drive to a sturdy building

Contributing: IndyStar reporter Jade Jackson.

Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk.

IndyStar’s environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What is the difference between a tornado watch and tornado warning?