Differences between weather watches and warnings
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Weather in the Miami Valley can be unpredictable when it comes to severe weather.
It is important to stay weather aware and know the differences between various watches and warnings.
The National Weather Service provides details on what each meaning entails.
When a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued for an area, it means there is a possibility for thunderstorms to form.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a storm is already at your door or on your area's doorstep. You should get indoors for safety, since severe weather is being shown on the weather radar. Winds are reported by a trained spotter or radar at 58 mph or higher or one-inch hail in diameter is spotted.
A Tornado Watch is issued in advanced of severe weather. If a Tornado Watch is issued, 'conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes,' according to NWS.
When a Tornado Warning has been issued, it means either a tornado has been spotted or indicated on radar. You do not have time to plan and should immediately get to the lowest level of your home or in a center room away from windows.
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If any watches or warnings occur in the Miami Valley, Storm Team 2 has you covered. Make sure to download the free Storm Team 2 app to stay up-to-date on all weather conditions.
– Live interactive radar with many layering options lets you track the storms around you
– Alerts for severe weather go to your home screen and cue an audio alert
– The most accurate hour-by-hour forecast for the next day and week ahead for Dayton
– The latest video forecast from Storm Team 2
– Current weather conditions for Dayton, the Miami Valley and anywhere in the United States
– Share the weather conditions via text message, email, Facebook or Twitter
– You can set multiple custom locations to track forecasts, alerts, radar, and more
– News and weather headlines from 2 NEWS and Storm Team 2
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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