Local Forecasts

The best resources for keeping tabs on a tornado threat are NWS forecasts. The NWS Storm Prediction Center (www.spc.noaa.gov) analyzes the daily potential for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. When conditions favor multiple tornadoes, the SPC will issue tornado watches for inland portions of tropical cyclones. The SPC is also responsible for severe weather outlooks and other forecast products that will discuss the potential for tornadoes. Local WFOs will also issue tornado watches and warnings based on local data and observations.

  • Tornado Watch: A watch is issued to alert the public that severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible during the next few hours, in and around the watch area. A tornado watch does not mean that tornadoes will occur, only that they are possible.
  • Tornado Warning: A warning means that a tornado has been sighted by storm spotters or has been indicated by radar. These warnings are issued with information concerning where the tornado is presently located and what communities are in the anticipated path.

Below is an example of a tornado warning and watch statement:

TORNADO WARNING
BULLETIN – EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOBILE AL
1205 PM  CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME  MON SEP 1 2008

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOBILE HAS ISSUED A TORNADO WARNING FOR,
SOUTHERN OKALOOSA COUNTY IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA, THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF, 
FORT WALTON BEACH, DESTIN, UNTIL 1245 PM CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME. 

AT 1202 PM  CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME, THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INDICATED 
A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO 9 MILES SOUTHEAST OF
DESTIN, MOVING NORTHWEST AT 41 MPH. THE  TORNADO WILL BE NEAR,DESTIN BY 1215 PM  
CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME,EGLIN AFB BY 1220 PM  CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME,

THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF A
STURDY BUILDING, PREFERABLY IN AN INTERIOR HALLWAY OR A ROOM SUCH AS
A CLOSET OR BATHROOM. IF POSSIBLE, GET UNDER A WORKBENCH OR OTHER
PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO COVER YOUR BODY
AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS. IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO, THIS
STORM IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING LARGE DAMAGING HAIL OR DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WINDS.

IF YOU ARE IN MOBILE HOME, EVACUATE IT AND GET ON THE LOWEST FLOOR
OF A NEARBY STURDY BUILDING OR IN AN UNDERGROUND STORM SHELTER. IF NO
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER IS AVAILABLE AND A TORNADO IS FAST APPROACHING,
SEEK SHELTER IN A CULVERT, DITCH OR LOW DEPRESSION AND COVER YOUR
HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.

A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 400 PM  CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME 
MONDAY AFTERNOON FOR SOUTHWESTERN ALABAMA AND NORTHWEST FLORIDA AND SOUTHEAST
MISSISSIPPI.

The possibility for tornadoes may also be mentioned in the HLS, as in this example: 

.SITUATION OVERVIEW...
CLAUDETTE HAS TAKEN A WESTWARD JOG AND WILL KEEP THE MAIN WIND 
IMPACTS SOUTH OF THE FORECAST AREA. HOWEVER...GUSTY WINDS MAY 
CAUSE SOME WEAK TREES TO FALL AND POWER LINES MAY BE AFFECTED.
HEAVY RAIN BANDS WILL BE POSSIBLE FROM 1 TO 3 INCHES ACROSS THE
AREA. ISOLATED LOCALIZED FLOODING IS POSSIBLE. ISOLATED WEAK
TORNADOES ARE ALSO POSSIBLE IN THE NORTH AND EAST OUTER BANDS WELL
AHEAD OF THE STORM.

Community Considerations

  • Do residents of your community know where to go if threatened by a tornado?