Tornado: What comes first, a watch or a warning?

Local National Weather Service offices issue storm warnings, storm watches, and weather advisories for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash floods.

The alerts are issued so that all can anticipate a potential emergency.

Normally, the weather service issues a storm watch in advance of the storm. Usually, watch alert might have been issued for at least 24 hours. The weather predicts that the extent of risk has increased and has at least a 50% chance of occurring. The alert is issued to provide enough time so that all can make plans to reach a safe place.

The authority issued the warning when its effect might have posed a threat to life or property. It will be very risky or impossible to travel.

When a significant inconvenience is posed, an advisory predicts conditions. If anyone ignores the caution, it may threaten life or property.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado watch for parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin until 8:00 pm as strong storms push through the day and severe weather moves through the region.

Those areas have been identified as affected areas are Central Wisconsin: Clark County, North Central Wisconsin: Taylor County, West Central Wisconsin: Buffalo, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, and Trempealeau Counties, La Crosse, Medford, Neillsville, Sparta, Tomah, Alma, Arcadia, Black River Falls, Wabasha, Whitehall, and Winona.

According to NWS, a tornado watch indicates that conditions are advantageous for the progress of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area, and there are no tornadoes currently. If any Tornado Warning is issued, people will be able to prepare to take action fast by this time.