A term used by fire-weather forecasters, to call attention to limited weather conditions of particular importance that may result in extreme burning conditions. A Red Flag Watch may be issued prior to the warning. Watches are usually in effect for several hours, with 6 hours being the most common. A short-term forecast designed to give specific, detailed forecast information for the next 1 to 6 hours on a county basis. Both severe and non-severe information is contained in these forecasts which are routinely issued several times per day, and more often during busy weather periods.
Conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
Watches are usually in effect for several hours, with 6 hours being the most common. It is very important the warning include where the tornado was and what towns will be in its path. Issued when heavy rain will cause flooding of streets and low-lying places in urban areas. Also used if small rural or urban streams are expected to reach or exceed bankfull. Some damage to homes or roads could occur.