How does the National Weather Service warn the public about thunderstorms?
When conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, a severe thunderstorm WATCH is issued by the National Weather Service. Weather Service personnel use information from weather radar, satellite, lightning detection, spotters, and other sources to issue severe thunderstorm warnings. WARNINGS for areas where severe weather is imminent. The severe thunderstorm warnings are passed to local radio and television stations and are broadcast over local NOAA Weather Radio stations serving the warned areas. These warnings are also relayed to local emergency management and public safety officials who can activate local warning systems to alert communities.
