Tornado Watch Vs. Tornado Warning

What is the difference between a Tornado Watch & a Tornado Warning?
A tornado watch is just to let folks know to be on the lookout for a possible tornado in the area whereas a Tornado Warning is a notification that a tornado has been seen or picked up by radar.

Tornado Watch
A Tornado Watch is issued to alert people to the possibility of a tornado developing in your area. At this point, a tornado has not been seen but the conditions are very favorable for tornados to occur at any moment.
Things to do when a Tornado Watch is issued:

• Keep alert and watch for changing weather conditions
• Listen to your local news reports & weather updates
• Review your family or business emergency preparedness plan
• Review your disaster kit
• Be ready to seek shelter at a moments notice

What to Watch for during a Tornado Watch:

• Dark greenish or orange-gray skies
• Large hail
• Large, dark, low-lying, rotating or funnel-shaped clouds
• A loud roar that is similar to a freight train

Tornado Warning
A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has actually been sighted or has been picked up on radar in your area. This means that you need to take shelter immediately in a safe sturdy structure.
Things to do when a Tornado Warning is issued:

• Take shelter immediately
• Listen to your local radio for updates
• Follow the National Weather Service Safety Guidelines (below)

What not to do during a tornado:

• Do not stay in a Mobile home as they offer very little protection from tornadoes.
• Do not open the windows in your home or business
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car
• Do not get under a highway overpass or bridge as you will be exposing yourself to flying debris and stronger winds.

National Weather Service Safety Guidelines

• If you are in a building:
  Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the buildings lowest level. If you don't have a basement, take shelter in the center of an interior room on the lowest level, such as a bathroom, closet or interior hallway that is away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.
• If you are in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home:
  Get out immediately and go to a nearby sturdy building or storm shelter and seek shelter on its lowest floor.
• If you are outside without nearby shelter:
  Lie down in a ditch, ravine, or depression nearby and cover your head with your hands.

More About Tornados in Tennessee:
Tennessee Tornado Season
Tennessee Tornado Alley & Dixie Alley
Middle Tennessee Tornado Activity
Tennessee Tornado Casualties
Tornado Watch Vs. Tornado Warning