Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs. Warning Explained
Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs. Warning Explained
US · Published Nov 9, 2026
• The National Weather Service (NWS) issues two distinct alerts for severe weather: a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.
• A watch indicates that severe thunderstorms are possible in a large area, typically over the next two to eight hours, and serves as a call to stay informed and prepared.

Impact & Risks

Severe thunderstorms can bring hail of at least 1 inch in diameter, wind gusts of 58 mph (93 km/h) or higher, and even tornadoes. A warning indicates that these hazards are already occurring or imminent, posing a significant risk to life and property. Lightning, although not a criterion for severe storms, remains a deadly threat, capable of striking up to 15 miles from a storm's center. The NWS reports that lightning kills about 20 people annually in the U.S. and injures hundreds more. Even in the absence of a watch or warning, thunderstorms with lightning can still be dangerous.

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