What is the watch status line (line with an arrow inside a watch) and how is it interpreted?
When a watch is issued, the original threat is contained within the entire watch area. When the SPC determines where the severe weather threat continues within a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch, usually on an hourly basis, we issue a watch status message. Unless the whole watch area remains valid, the status report includes points on a line that indicates where the severe weather threat remains from our perspective. The severe weather threat is to the right of that line, as in our outlooks. As adjustments are made to the watch, you will see that yellow “status” line shift across the original watch area. This gives emergency managers, weather forecast offices, media and the general public guidance as to where the threat remains for severe weather.
