What conditions trigger a tornado watch or a tornado warning?
Tornado watches, issued by the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., indicate atmospheric conditions that would favor the formation of tornadoes. If your area is under a tornado watch, you should remain alert for tornado development. Tornado warnings are issued by local National Weather Service offices and indicate an immediate threat. They are only issued when a tornado has been sighted and reported by a trained spotter or significant rotation is indicated within a thunderstorm by Doppler radar. Learn more about severe weather watches and warnings on this USA TODAY resource page.
