A tornado warning is worse than a tornado watch, because it means a tornado is happening or about to happen in the warned area, and you must take shelter immediately.

Quick Scoop: Core Difference

  • Tornado watch = Conditions are favorable; tornadoes are possible, so you should prepare and stay alert, but one has not yet been confirmed.
  • Tornado warning = A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar; it is imminent or occurring, and you should take cover right away.

So in plain terms:

  • Watch = “Get ready and pay attention.”
  • Warning = “Take action now; your life and property are in danger.”

Which Is Worse: Watch or Warning?

  • A tornado warning is considered more severe because it is tied to a specific storm with an actual or strongly indicated tornado in a relatively small area.
  • A tornado watch covers a much larger region for a longer time and is about potential, not a confirmed threat, so it’s serious but one level lower in urgency.

How Long They Usually Last

  • Watches often last for several hours and can span multiple counties or even states.
  • Warnings usually last 30–60 minutes and target the specific city, county, or storm path under immediate threat.

What You Should Do

  • Under a watch :
    • Review your tornado plan and know where your safe room is.
    • Check emergency supplies (flashlights, water, meds, phone charge).
    • Keep up with weather alerts and be ready to move quickly.
  • Under a warning :
    • Go immediately to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    • Stay away from windows; protect your head from flying debris.
    • Leave mobile homes or vehicles for the nearest substantial shelter if possible.

If you ever have to choose how seriously to react: treat a tornado warning as an immediate, life-threatening emergency and move to safety without delay.

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