Tornado Watch
Means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. It is normally issued for 4 to 6 hours and includes many counties. If you are in or near the tornado watch area, stay informed via NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television. Keep your eye on the sky, and be prepared to take cover at short notice, as tornadoes can occur with little or no warning.

Tornado Warning
Means that a tornado has been sighted or a developing tornado is reported by trained spotters or indicated on Doppler radar. A warning is typically issued for a small area for less than an hour. If a tornado warning is issued in your area ... take cover immediately!

Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Means that conditions are favorable for thunderstorms to produce wind gusts to 58mph or stronger, or hail to 3/4 inch or larger in the watch area. These watches are issued for 4 to 6 hours at a time and for a number of counties. Stay informed, watch the sky, and take cover if a severe thunderstorm approaches you.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Means that a severe thunderstorm has been detected by radar or a trained spotter. Take cover if you are near the severe thunderstorm.

Flash Flood Watch
This is issued when a heavy rain may develop and result in flash flooding in or near the watch area.

Flash Flood Warning
Flash flooding in the warning area has developed or is imminent. Move to higher ground at once!

Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory
Local flooding of small streams, streets, or low lying areas such as railroad underpasses
is occurring or is imminent.

Fire Weather Watch
Red flag fire conditions are expected to develop. Red flag conditions are defined by critical weather and fire danger condition that could lead to extensive wildfire occurrence and/or fire control difficulties.

Red Flag Warning
Red flag fire conditions are imminent or occurring. Be extremely careful with campfires, cigarette butts, and anything that would emit sparks.