Severe Weather Awareness Week

Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week: April 20-24, 2020

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Weather Alerts and Warnings	Severe Storms, Lightning, Wind and Hail	Tornado Safety Information	Flash Floods	Extreme Heat

Severe Thunderstorm Definition

What is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch?

The National Weather Service in Aberdeen issues Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for 26 counties across central and northeast South Dakota.

A Severe Thunderstorm is defined as a thunderstorm capable of producing:

In addition to damaging winds and large hail, severe thunderstorms are also capable of producing tornadoes, flash flooding and deadly lightning.

What is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?

Tornado Watch: Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.

Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on Radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where severe thunderstorms may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or county) that may be impacted by an on-going severe thunderstorm.