It is important to understand the terms that you will hear during times of severe weather. Continue to listen for weather forecasts and statements from your local National Weather Service office, and be prepared to take quick action if necessary. A tornado warning is an urgent message to people in the affected counties or parishes that a tornado is immediately imminent. Tornadoes sometimes develop in areas where a Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Warning is in effect.
Tornadoes can also develop with little or no advance notice.