Its effects are felt by many of us during our lifetimes. As part of their training, storm spotters should be aware of severe storm definitions and terminology used by the National Weather Service.
Conditions are favorable for the severe weather event in or near the watch area.
Watches are issued for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods. The severe weather event is imminent or occurring in the warned area. Warnings are issued for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash floods, and river flooding. A violently rotating column of air attached to a thunderstorm and in contact with the ground. A rotating, funnel-shaped cloud extending downward from a thunderstorm base.