A tornado warning signals an immediate threat —a tornado has been spotted or radar detects one forming, putting lives and property in direct danger.

Core Meaning

Unlike a tornado watch (conditions favorable for tornadoes, so prepare), a warning means act now. Issued by the National Weather Service when radar shows rotation, a funnel cloud appears, or a tornado touches down. Covers a small area (city-sized) for ~30-60 minutes.

"A tornado warning means there is immediate danger... seek shelter in a basement, cellar, safe room or a sturdy above-ground room."

Key Triggers

  • Tornado sighted on ground.
  • Funnel cloud reported.
  • Strong radar-indicated rotation.
  • Waterspout nearing land.

Enhanced levels like PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation) or Tornado Emergency flag violent, life-threatening storms with catastrophic potential—rare but urgent.

What to Do Immediately

  1. Seek shelter : Lowest floor, interior room (bathroom/closet), away from windows. Use mattress/door for cover.
  2. Avoid : Mobile homes, vehicles, outdoors—head to sturdy building or ditch if caught outside.
  3. Stay informed : Weather radio/app for updates.

Situation| Best Action
---|---
Home| Basement/storm cellar; center of ground floor if none. 6
Vehicle| Abandon, lie in ditch (not under bridge). 6
Mobile home| Leave for sturdy shelter. 5
Office/School| Interior hallway, lowest level. 4

Watch vs. Warning

Alert Type| Meaning| Action| Area/Duration
---|---|---|---
Watch| Possible tornadoes| Prepare kit, review plan| Large (counties/states), hours 36
Warning| Tornado confirmed/imminent| Take cover NOW| Small (city/county), 30-60 min 15

Real-World Context

Tornadoes hit fast—e.g., 2020 California fire-spawned warning was historic. In 2026's active season so far, timely warnings via Doppler radar save lives amid rising supercell activity. Forums buzz: "Warning = run, don't hide upstairs!" echoes spotter tips.

Prep tip : Build kit (water, flashlight, meds) during watches; hunker down on warnings. Stay safe! TL;DR : Tornado warning = tornado is here or seconds away—shelter immediately.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.