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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
622 AM EDT Tue Apr 16 2024

...PENNSYLVANIA SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK...

This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Pennsylvania.

We will be covering various topics about severe weather safety
and preparedness throughout the week.

Today`s topic: Severe weather outlooks, watches, and warnings...

When severe weather is in the forecast, it is important to know
the differences between National Weather Service products.

What are Convective Outlooks issued by the Storm Prediction
Center?

Convective Outlooks are issued as early as 7 days in advance of
severe weather, and are updated through the day of the severe
weather event. They highlight broad regions of possible severe
weather categorized by the predicted coverage and intensity of
storms. The severe thunderstorm risk categories are as follows,
listed in order of increasing threat:
General thunderstorms, Marginal, Slight, Enhanced, Moderate, and
High Risk. The higher the risk, the greater potential for intense
and widespread severe storms in the form of strong winds, large
hail, or tornadoes. Outlooks have a lower confidence level than a
watch or a warning. You can view the convective outlooks at
www.spc.noaa.gov.

What is a watch?

Watches for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are issued when
atmospheric conditions are favorable for such weather events.
Watches are issued when the probability of severe weather has
risen above 50 percent and storms are likely within the next few
hours. The size of a watch can range from just a small portion of
a state, to an area spanning over several states. If a severe
thunderstorm, tornado, or flash flood watch is issued for your
area, take precautions and plan accordingly.

What is a warning?

A warning is issued when severe weather is imminent. Severe
weather is either ongoing or likely within the next hour. Warnings
cover smaller areas than watches; they typically span an area
ranging from a portion of a county to an area spanning over
several counties. If a warning is issued for your area, take
action! Find shelter immediately and have a way to receive warning
updates.

How can I receive severe weather alerts?

Make sure to have multiple ways to receive updates on watches and
warnings for your area. You can receive updates through NOAA
Weather Radio, social media, local TV and radio, mobile weather
apps, and on our website at www.weather.gov/ctp. Configure your
mobile phone for Wireless Emergency Alerts, which are issued for
tornado warnings and considerable flash flood warnings.
Instructions can be found at www.ready.gov/alerts. Know the name
of the county you live in and the names of the ones bordering
your county.

Develop a severe weather action plan with your household that
states where you will go during severe weather. Prepare an
emergency kit that includes but is not limited to flashlights,
batteries, phone chargers, water, non perishable food, and a first
aid kit.

For additional information check out our web site at:

www.weather.gov/ctp/severeweatherawarenessweek

Our weather safety topics for the rest of the week will be,
Wednesday, Flash Flooding.
Thursday, Tornadoes.
Friday, Ways to become involved - SKYWARN spotters, Weather Ready Nation,
StormReady, and HAM radio.

$$