Advisories are issued to provide the public guidance on developing weather conditions that are hazardous to life and property.
Watch -- Meteorological conditions are favorable for the given hazardous weather event to occur across a general (specified) area and during a broad (specified) time frame. Persons in the watch area should be aware of developing hazardous conditions and should be prepared to take immediate protective action should the conditions develop.
Warning -- The given hazardous weather event has been observed and is approaching your area. Take immediate (specified) action.
Enhanced Wording Warnings: Hurricane Katrina and Greensburg KS Tornado
Some Examples
Red Flag -- conditions favorable for rapid spread of forest, brush or range fires.
Severe Thunderstorm
Hurricane
Tornado
Flash Flood