Expand / Collapse search
☰

Severe weather in Michigan - What's the difference between a tornado watch and a warning?

By and Amber Ainsworth
Published  June 25, 2023 6:05pm EDT
Severe Weather
FOX 2 Detroit

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Much of Michigan is under severe weather watches and warnings Sunday.

Tornado watches, severe thunderstorm watches, and severe thunderstorm warnings have all been issued.

Find the latest watch and warning updates here.

But what does it mean?

Think about it like a Coney dog. With a watch, you have all the ingredients for one. The bun, hot dog, chili, onions, and mustard are all ready for you to make one, so maybe you'll have Coney dogs for dinner. Or maybe you won't.

If there is a tornado watch, be prepared incase it becomes a warning.

With a warning, you're eating a Coney dog right now. 

In terms of a tornado or a severe storm, that weather is here and happening when there is a warning. It's either been spotted on the ground or indicated on the radar.

When there is a warning, seek shelter. 

Related: Livonia Spree closes early due to severe weather threat

Severe weather moves toward Metro Detroit; watches, warnings issued

As severe weather moves toward Southeast Michigan, Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties are under a tornado watch until 11 p.m. Other counties in the area are under a severe thunderstorm warning.