Do you know the difference between a National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning?
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared!
Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action!
Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Warnings usually encompass a much smaller area.
Visit weather.gov for more information on warnings and watches for different types of storms.
Several apps are available that offer different alerts and features that can be used as you travel.
FEMA APP
Stay updated with severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the U.S.; learn how to stay safe before, during, and after over 20 types of hazards; save a custom list of the items in your family’s emergency kit; and locate and receive driving directions to open shelters and disaster recovery centers. https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app
THE WEATHER CHANNEL APP
Tracks weather and provides local forecasts and push alerts of severe weather to your mobile device.
http://www.weather.com/apps
AMERICAN RED CROSS APP
The Red Cross Emergency app combines more than 35 different types of severe weather and emergency alerts. You can choose the alerts that are important to your location or the location of loved ones. http://www.redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps
Weather Radios
The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, or NWR, is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting forecasts, warnings, and emergency information 24 hours a day. A special weather radio receiver is required to receive NWR broadcasts. You can buy these receivers at many retail outlets such as electronics stores, department stores, big box stores, or online. Be sure to look for the Public Alert or NWR logo to ensure the radio meets technical requirements. Models identified as SAME, or Specific Area Message Encoding, receivers allow users to select alerts for specific geographic areas. https://www.weather.gov/nwr/
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Visit the National Weather Service for more information. https://www.weather.gov/wrn/wea