What is Tornado Warning: a public alert that a tornado is near
A tornado warning is a public alert issued by national weather services for an area in the path of a tornado, or of a severe thunderstorm capable of producing one, telling people there to take cover now. It means a tornado has been seen or detected by radar, unlike a tornado watch, which means tornadoes are only possible.
Why it's in the news
A tornado watch covered several Oklahoma counties on Monday evening, with the watch in effect until 10:00 p.m., as storms moved east. Local stations also reported a tornado threat in eastern Oklahoma and a tornado warning in Washington County that was later cancelled.
- Tornado Warning — Tornado watch issued for Oklahoma counties as storms move east
Background
Warnings are often issued when Doppler radar detects rotation inside a thunderstorm. Newer radar features can also confirm a tornado by a debris signature, which is a cloud of debris lifted from the ground. Warnings are also issued when weather spotters, the public, police or emergency managers report a tornado, a funnel cloud or a rotating wall cloud.
On Monday evening, a tornado watch was issued for several Oklahoma counties and remained in effect until 10:00 p.m. Local stations said severe thunderstorms and a tornado threat were moving into eastern Oklahoma.
The warning matters now because storms are moving east across Oklahoma, and a tornado can form in gaps in radar coverage or at night, when it is hard to see. Forecasters say a warning means immediate action: move to a basement, interior room or lowest floor and stay away from windows.
What people are asking
Is there a tornado warning in Oklahoma right now?
Local stations reported a tornado warning in Washington County, Oklahoma, which was later cancelled. For current alerts in your county, check your local National Weather Service office or local stations.