Watch vs Warning vs Advisory
Your phone just buzzed with a weather alert. Here's what each kind means, and exactly what to do when you get one.
Watch means be ready. Warning means act now.
| Alert | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Advisory | Weather that's a nuisance or could be risky if you're careless (fog, light snow, heat) | Take care, allow extra time |
| Watch | Conditions are right for dangerous weather, but it isn't happening yet | Get ready: plan, charge phones, know where you'd shelter |
| Warning | Dangerous weather is happening or about to happen near you | Act now: follow your plan and take shelter |
These are the National Weather Service (NWS) terms used across the US. A good memory trick: a watch is when you watch the sky; a warning is when you move.
ACTWhat to do for each alert
Open the one that matches your alert.
Watch: decide where you'll shelter, keep your phone charged, and keep shoes and a flashlight handy.
Warning: go immediately to the lowest floor, into a small interior room without windows (bathroom, closet, hallway). Cover your head and neck. Mobile homes and cars are not safe: get to a sturdy building.
- Severe means hail 1 inch or bigger, winds of 58 mph or more, or a tornado.
- Go indoors and stay away from windows. “When thunder roars, go indoors.”
- Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture and park the car under cover if you can.
- Move to higher ground if you're in a low-lying area.
- Turn around, don't drown: never drive or walk into floodwater. Six inches of moving water can knock you over; a foot can float a car.
Watch: hurricane conditions are possible, usually within 48 hours. Stock water, food, medicine and batteries; fill the car's tank; check your evacuation route.
Warning: hurricane conditions are expected, usually within 36 hours. Finish preparations and leave if local officials tell you to evacuate.
| Category | Sustained winds |
|---|---|
| 1 | 74–95 mph |
| 2 | 96–110 mph |
| 3 (major) | 111–129 mph |
| 4 (major) | 130–156 mph |
| 5 (major) | 157 mph or higher |
The category only measures wind. Storm surge and flooding often cause more harm, so follow evacuation orders even for a “weak” storm.
- Winter storm warning: stay off the roads if you can; keep a blanket, charger and snacks in the car if you must drive.
- Extreme heat warning: drink water, stay somewhere cool during the afternoon, and check on older neighbours.
- Extreme cold warning: cover skin outdoors, and never run a generator or grill indoors (carbon monoxide).
Most phones get Wireless Emergency Alerts for warnings automatically. Check they're on:
- iPhone: Settings › Notifications › scroll to the bottom › Emergency Alerts and Public Safety Alerts.
- Android: Settings › Safety & emergency (or Notifications) › Wireless emergency alerts.
For watches and advisories too, use a weather app with alerts turned on, or a NOAA Weather Radio.
Check weather.gov and enter your town to see every active alert and what it means for you.
FAQCommon questions
Which is worse, a watch or a warning?
A warning. It means the dangerous weather is happening or about to. A watch means it's possible.
What's a “special weather statement”?
A heads-up about something notable that doesn't meet the level of an advisory, like a strong storm that isn't quite severe.
Why did my phone blare a loud alarm?
That's a Wireless Emergency Alert, sent for the most serious warnings (like tornadoes and flash floods) to every phone in the area.
Is a Category 1 hurricane safe to ride out?
Not necessarily. Flooding and storm surge don't depend on the category. Always follow local evacuation orders.