Tornado safety: what to do in a watch and a warning

A Tornado Watch means conditions are right for tornadoes. A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been seen or indicated by radar, and you should act now.

During a Tornado Warning

1. Go to a basement or a small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
2. Cover your head and neck with your arms, a mattress or a helmet.
3. In a mobile home or a car? Get to the nearest sturdy building now.

During a Tornado Watch

1. Tornadoes are possible. Decide now where you would shelter and keep your phone charged.
2. Keep shoes, a flashlight and a helmet or pillows near your shelter spot.
3. Watch for a Tornado Warning and act on it straight away.

During a Severe Thunderstorm Warning

1. Move indoors and stay away from windows.
2. Large hail and damaging winds are possible, and a tornado can develop with little notice.
3. Bring in or secure loose outdoor objects if it is safe to do so.

For full guidance, see the National Weather Service tornado safety pages.