Do you know the difference between a Watch and a Warning?

The Washtenaw County Chapter of the American Red Cross wants to make sure that you know the difference between various Watches and Warnings.  Being informed is the first step in being prepared.

Flood/Flash Flood Watch:

Flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area

Flood/ Flash Flood Warning:

Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area

Severe Thunderstorm Watch:

Severe thunderstorms are possible and near the watch area.  Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning:

Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar.  Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.

Tornado Watch:

Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.  Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and 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!

Tornado Warning:

A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.  Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.  Go immediately underground to a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room (closet, hallway, or bathroom).

Hazardous Weather Outlook:

A narrative statement produced by the National Weather Service, frequently issued on a routine basis, to provide information regarding the potential of significant weather expected during the next 1 to 5 days.

High Wind Advisory:

This product is issued by the National Weather Service when high wind speeds may pose a hazard.   In Michigan, the criteria is sustained non-convective (not related to thunderstorms) winds greater than or equal to 30 mph lasting for one hour or longer, or winds greater than or equal to 45 mph for any duration.

High Wind Warning:

This product is issued by the National Weather Service when high wind speeds may pose a hazard or is life threatening.  In Michigan, the criteria is sustained non-convective (not related to thunderstorms) winds greater than or equal to 40 mph lasting for one hour or longer, or winds greater than or equal to 58 mph for any duration.

High Wind Watch:

This product is issued by the National Weather Service when there is the potential of high wind speeds developing that may pose a hazard or is life threatening. In Michigan, the criteria is the potential for sustained non-convective (not related to thunderstorms) winds greater than or equal to 40 mph and/or gusts greater than or equal to 58 mph.

If a warning or watch is issued or hear the emergency sirens have been activated tune to WEMU at 89.1 FM, WWWW at 102.9 FM, WQKL at 107.1 FM, WTKA at 1050 AM and WLBY at 1290 AM.  Those stations are required to carry alerts for Washtenaw County, many of the stations in Detroit are not required and often do not carry the alert messages for Washtenaw County.  Another great source for information is the NOAA weather radio system.  Always make sure that you have a battery powered radio and extra batteries so that you can get important information from emergency officials.

The time to prepare is before the storm strikes.  Visit www.wc-redcross.org/summer_safety.php for more information on how to prepare for emergencies.