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A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in and near the affected area: review your plan, monitor updates and be ready to act. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar and danger is imminent: shelter immediately on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. The National Weather Service (NWS) summarizes the difference as “Be Prepared” for a watch and “Take Action” for a warning.

What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

Alert What it means What to do
Tornado watch Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Watches commonly cover numerous counties or even states. Review your plan, check supplies and your safe place, monitor updates, and be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
Tornado warning A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar; there is imminent danger to life and property. Warnings typically cover a smaller area, such as a city or small county. Take shelter immediately on the lowest floor in a basement, safe room or interior room away from windows.
Tornado emergency The NWS’s highest alert level, used when a violent tornado has touched down and catastrophic damage is confirmed. Seek refuge immediately in the safest location possible. Once safe, continue monitoring local official updates.

Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center; warnings are issued by the local NWS forecast office. A watch signals a possibility, not certainty: the NWS sources do not establish a probability that a particular watch will produce a tornado. The NWS glossary says watches are usually in effect for 4 to 8 hours, but that is general context—not the duration of any specific watch. Check current local alerts for boundaries and expiration times. NWS: Understand Tornado Alerts · NWS glossary: Watch, Warning, Advisory

What should I do during a tornado watch?

Use the time to get ready rather than waiting for certainty. The NWS advises: “Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.”

  • Identify the safest shelter you can reach quickly, and make sure everyone in your household or workplace knows where it is.
  • Review your household or workplace tornado plan and check that supplies are accessible.
  • Keep following local news or NOAA Weather Radio for updates, and keep Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled on your phone.
  • Be prepared to move as soon as a warning is issued. Do not wait for another notification if you suspect a tornado is approaching.

A NOAA Weather Radio is one optional way to follow updates, alongside local news and phone alerts. Monitoring a device is not a substitute for taking shelter when a warning calls for action. NWS tornado alert guidance · NWS tornado hazards and safety

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#1 Best Overall
Midland - WR120B - NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio
  • NOAA Weather Scan & Alert - This emergency weather alert radio features S.A.M.E localized programming and alert you to over 60 kinds of weather hazards and emergencies. NOAA Weather Scan will automatically alert you of events.
  • S.A.M.E Localized Programming - The Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.) allows the user to enter a code that is specific to your country, state, county and in some cases partial county.
  • Notification Settings - Program your radio to receive weather alerts from up to 25 different counties and be alerted only when those specific counties are threatened. Color-coded alert indicators show the alert type and its severity.
  • Additional Features - SAME localized programming, continuous backlighting option which keeps the LCD on, 25 programmable counties, color-coded alert indicators, alert override automatically switches to warn of impending danger.
  • Experience a comprehensive range of radios from Midland, designed to keep you connected and informed. Our radios offer an array of features, including reliable real-time weather alerts, and robust two-way communication capabilities.

What do I do when a tornado warning is issued?

Move to shelter immediately. A warning may leave only seconds to act, so do not delay sheltering to check a phone or seek more confirmation.

  1. Go to a basement or safe room if available. Otherwise, choose a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
  2. At school or work, follow the tornado drill and go promptly to the designated shelter. Stay away from windows and avoid large open rooms such as gymnasiums, cafeterias and auditoriums.
  3. Protect yourself from flying debris while sheltered. Continue listening for official local updates once you are safe.

These instructions follow the NWS guidance for tornado safety. Do not leave a safe location to watch the storm.

Rank #2
Sale
Raynic Emergency Radio, 5000mAh/18500mWh Weather Radio, Solar Hand Crank Radio with AM/FM/SW/NOAA Alert, Cell Phone Charger, Headphone Jack, Flashlight and SOS Siren
  • AUTOMATIC NOAA WEATHER ALERT RADIO - This weather alert radio may save your life! Especially important at night while you are sleeping! It auto-scans for emergency and weather alerts when you turn the device on or in standby mode,and alert you if any emergency warning is issued. No need to listen to the weather broadcast all day and night. Getting an NOAA alert about impending weather threats gives you a heads-up that bad weather is on the way, so you can prepare or even evacuate if necessary.
  • LARGE HD LCD DISPLAY - A must weather radio with a large HD LCD display screen and digital tuning, you can see the battery level and current tuning frequency, which can provide reliable AM/FM/SW/WB reception, and accurately pick your favorite channel. Press on "Tune+" or "Tune-" to auto-scan and easily find your favorite show. Long press on the "Dimmer" button to turn off the backlit LCD screen and enter the power-saving mode.
  • 6-WAY CHARGING OPTIONS - An NOAA Weather radio with multiple charging backup options is the ideal choice. 6-way charging options including a built-in rechargable backup battery, an AC adapter, DC 5V USB input,hand-crank, solar panel, and 3 AAA batteries(not included in packing), which is more powerful and reliable, which can provide instant, automatic, around-the-clock messages regarding weather alerts.
  • EMERGENCY RADIO & SOS ALARM - When hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, or other emergencies may occur, an NOAA alert radio can provide life-saving information. A built-in super-bright 3W flashlight and 2.5W reading lamp are critical if the power outage. It also includes a USB connector used to charge your USB-enabled smart devices for communication. Simply press the SOS button that activated a loud alert partnered with an eye-catching flashing red light for emergency assistance.
  • PORTABLE RADIO & HEADPHONE JACK - This portable radio is small, light, and IPX3 water-resistant, only 1.2LB, measures: 6.8×3.7×2.9 inches, which is easier to carry with you anywhere. Includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing you to listen to the weather broadcast at night without disturbing your travel buddies. Weather alerts are beneficial during outdoor adventures like fishing, camping, and hiking, can keep you well-prepared for severe weather and stay safe.
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Where should I go if I am outside, driving or in a mobile home?

If you are outside

Get inside a sturdy building as quickly as possible. A shed or storage facility is not safe shelter.

If you are in a vehicle

Drive to the closest substantial shelter if time allows; do not use an overpass as shelter. The NWS says, “If you see a tornado approaching, do not attempt to outrun it in a vehicle; shelter in place.” If you cannot reach shelter, the NWS describes getting down in the vehicle and covering your head, or leaving it for a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.

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Rank #3
Sale
Midland - WR400 Weather Radio Deluxe - NOAA Emergency Alert Scanner – Home Use with Battery Backup - Local County Programming Over 80 Emergency Voice Flashing Alerts – Alarm Clock AM/FM Radio
  • NOAA Weather Scan + Alert: NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates. NOAA Weather Alert will sound an alarm indicating that there is a risk of severe weather in your area. NOAA Weather Radio will also be used to broadcast AMBER alerts for missing children.
  • S.A.M.E Programming: Improve your emergency preparedness with equipped with digital S.A.M.E. technology, weather radio seamlessly connects to your county's warning system, providing you with instant weather updates from the National Weather Service. Features a convenient USB output, allowing you to charge your devices directly from the radio itself. Program up to 25 counties and choose from 80 different emergency alerts, this advanced weather radio from Midland ensures that you stay informed.
  • Warning System: Experience customizable alert options with the WR400 Warning System. You have the flexibility to choose how you want to be alerted, whether it's through an 85 dB siren alarm, a voice alert, or a visual LED flasher. 80 different emergency alerts to keep you informed about various critical situations. Emergency power backup functionality. By using four "AA" batteries (not included), ensure that the radio continues to operate during power outages or when you're using it outdoors.
  • Features: Experience the convenience of an Alarm Clock Radio with the Midland WR400. Features a built-in clock with an alarm and a snooze button, along with an AM/FM radio. Wake up to your choice of local weather updates, AM/FM radio stations, or a traditional buzzing alarm. Automatically switches from AM/FM mode to relevant all-hazard alerts, and you'll receive important emergency alerts without having to manually switch modes. Stay informed and start your day off right.
  • Alarm Clock: The built-in clock features an alarm with a snooze button and a AM/FM Radio. Wake up to local weather, AM/FM, or buzz. It automatically switches from AM/FM to pertinent all-hazard alerts.

If you are in a mobile home

Move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. A mobile home is not the place to wait out a tornado warning.

For these situations, follow the NWS’s detailed tornado safety guidance.

Best Value
NOAA Weather Radio AM FM, AA Battery Radio for Power Outages PRUNUS J161
  • PRETTY PORTABLE - The noaa radio is as portable as an iPhone, its compact size makes it easy to store in your emergency kit and backpack without taking up much space, and you can easily hold it with just one hand. Comes with a handy lanyard, it's convenient for you to listen.Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.8 x 1.2in, Weight: 0.24lb (exclude battery).
  • A ESSENTIAL TO EMERGENCY KIT - This battery radio emergency is about weather news. Weather Band: 162.40-162.55kHz (include 7 NOAA),FM: 87-108 MHz, AM:520-1710 kHz Covering 7 NOAA weather bands, it delivers timely updates on upcoming severe weather conditions like storms, hurricanes and tornadoes, even when power fails or there is no internet available. So you'll get valuable time to stay prepared for emergencies. Note: Not support automatic notification for NOAA alerts.
  • BATTERY POWERED RADIO - Runs on just 2 AA batteries, this noaa emergency weather radio ensures continuous operation during power outages, as long as you keep some spare AA batteries at home. When you’re out and about, toss some AA batteries in your bag, and save the hassle of searching for a power outlet. It’s your reliable companion for staying informed and safe.
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Rank #4
Sale
Mesqool Emergency Weather Radio NOAA Alert with Battery Backup 12000mAh
  • 【Reliable 𝗡𝗢𝗔𝗔/𝗔𝗠/𝗙𝗠 Reception with Clear Sound】With a high-sensitivity signal chip, noise-reduction circuitry, and an extended antenna, the radio ensures 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 across NOAA FM AM bands. Whether you're sheltering during a storm or camping off the grid, you'll hear every update loud and clear.
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  • 【Versatile Emergency Flashlight & Soft Reading Light】The noaa am fm radio includes a powerful flashlight that casts a focused beam up to 260 feet, perfect for dark trails, tents, or emergency navigation. Flip up the frosted reading lamp to enjoy a soft, warm glow that’s easy on the eyes. Both LED lights offer two brightness levels to match your needs—whether for safety or comfort.

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