Spring is not only when we Spring Forward  but also a time that weather conditions change and change quickly

Sitting here and looking at the storm clouds coming it reminds me that Spring is a time of rapid and sometimes dangerous changes in the weather.  Each year I have to refresh myself as to what the difference is between a watch or warning.   It is also a time that I make sure that my phone is set to receive these weather alerts so I can take the necessary precautions.   

One time I was out showing property and a thunderstorm moved in and moved in quickly.  We just went along our business of showing the home until a neighbor came running up to us and said "Hey, we are under a tornado warning, you need to take cover in the house and not be driving around."   Yes, that was a wake up call to set the phone to receive the weather alerts. 

At home we have a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone that goes off whenever there is an alert issued.

For those of you, like me, that need that definition reminder here they are courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Severe Weather Terminology

Watch vs a Warning (these are issued for all types of weather situation)

Watch - Issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather in and close to the watch area.  The size of the watch can vary depending on the weather situation and is usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours.  During the watch, people should review severe weather safety rules and be prepared to move to a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.

Warning - Issued when severe weather is detected by radar or reported by storm spotters.  Information in this warning will include the location of the storm, what areas will be affected, and the primary threat associated with the storm.  People in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately.  Remember that severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning.  Warnings can be issued without a watch already in effect.

Flash Flood - A rapid rise in water that occurs with little or no advanced warning, usually as the result of intense rainfall over a relatively small area in a short amount of time.  Flash Floods can also be caused by dam or levee failures, ice jams, and topography.

Severe Thunderstorm - A thunderstorm is considered severe when it produces any of the following:  Hail 3/4 of an inch (penny size) or larger in diameter, winds which equal or exceed 58 miles per hour, or a tornado.

Severe Weather Statement - A product issued which provides follow-up information on any severe weather warnings in effect and conditions which have occurred or are occurring.  This information includes updated storm paths and any storm reports, such as hail size or damage, received from spotters.