A
tornado watch is issued by the
Storms Prediction Center in
Norman,
Oklahoma when their
radar shows the development of
tornado-spawning thunderstorms. Watches are usually issued through
radio and
TV to alert the public that
tornados may develop in their area during a certain
time period.
During tornado watches, the public is advised to keep alert for
unusually loud winds and
flying debris, as well as keeping alert to further announcements from the
National Weather Service. Once a tornado has been spotted either
visually or on a radar screen, a
tornado warning is then issued.