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As Florida expects major destruction<\/a> in the wake of Hurricane Helene<\/a>\u2018s imminent path, some were issued a tornado watch and even a tornado warning<\/a>. But how do the two alerts differentiate?<\/p>\n According to the National Weather Service<\/a>, a tornado watch encourages all residents in one area to prepare for a possible tornado. The NWS\u2019 description of the alert reads, \u201cTornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.\u201d<\/p>\n Tornado Watch has been issued from parts of the FL West Coast to East Coast from Miami to Tampa to Orlando and Daytona Beach till 8 pm this evening @WPTV<\/a> #tornado<\/a> #hurricaneHelene<\/a> #Florida<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/EFGqdYkXNu<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jennifer Correa (@JenniferWXwoman) September 26, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Per the NWS, a warning is when a tornado \u201chas been sighted or indicated by weather radar.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere is imminent danger to life and property,\u201d the site\u2019s alert reads. \u201cMove to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter\/law enforcement who is watching the storm.\u201d<\/p>\n Since Hurricane Helene has not made landfall in Florida yet, the storm has not caused a tornado. However, the NWS issued a statewide tornado watch from the southern tip toward the northern part of Florida. Counties that were issued the watch include Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and several more.<\/p>\n According to the Florida Times-Union<\/em><\/a>, the tornado watch for these counties takes effect until 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 26.<\/p>\n \n\t\t<\/div>\nWhat Is a Tornado Watch?<\/h2>\n
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What Is a Tornado Warning?<\/h2>\n
Did Hurricane Helene Cause a Tornado?<\/h2>\n