KinwarnLive · Storm Prediction Center and NWS data
Tornado watches in effect
Every tornado watch in the US, with the counties inside, the hail and wind the Storm Prediction Center expects, and any tornado warnings already issued inside the watch.
Sample data from the night of April 27, 2024. These warnings are not in effect. (Only shown on a developer's computer.)
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A watch means be ready
A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Watches are large, covering numerous counties or even states; the Storm Prediction Center says a typical watch covers about 25,000 square miles for two to eight hours. A tornado warning, by contrast, covers about the size of a city or small county.
What to do during a tornado watch
- Review your emergency plan and check your supplies.
- Check your shelter spot: a basement, safe room, or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
- A mobile home is not a safe shelter. Know where the nearest sturdy building is.
- Be ready to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued.
- Our advice: if an older relative lives inside the watch, call to make sure they know the plan.
Read more: tornado watch vs. warning and where to shelter.
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Questions people ask
What does a tornado watch mean?
Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review your plan, check your safe room, and be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued.
Who issues a tornado watch?
The Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, issues tornado watches. Your local National Weather Service forecast office issues tornado warnings.
What is a PDS tornado watch?
PDS stands for “particularly dangerous situation”. The Storm Prediction Center uses it in tornado watches for rare situations when long-lived, intense tornadoes are likely. Kinwarn shows PDS watches with a red tag.
What should I do during a tornado watch?
Review your emergency plan, check your supplies and your safe room, and be ready to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued or a tornado is approaching.
Sources
More live maps
Tornado warnings
Every tornado warning in effect, with radar and storm reports.
Severe thunderstorm warnings
Damaging wind and large hail, with the size and speed NWS expects.
Flash flood warnings
Flash flood warnings and emergencies, plus flood watches.
Severe thunderstorm watches
Where severe storms could form in the next few hours.
Severe weather outlook
Storm risk today, tomorrow and the day after, levels 1 to 5.