We’re entering the time of year when we need to keep our eyes to the skies while watching for potentially severe weather. Technology has helped the way we bring you alerts on television and radio.
While it’s our job as broadcasters to do everything we can to keep you safe from the storm by bringing you the latest information, we are not the ones who issue watches and warnings. That serious responsibility comes from our government colleagues at the National Weather Service.
Meteorologists there pour over information and when necessary, “pull the trigger” with warnings.
It’s important to remember that watches are issued for larger geographic areas and for a longer duration. They’re an indication that there’s a potential for severe weather. It’s kind of a “yellow alert.”
Warnings, on the other hand, are a “red alert,” meaning dangerous conditions have already been spotted by an observer or indicated on Doppler radar.
Late last year, the National Weather Service adopted a different way of issuing their warnings. In the past, entire counties would be told to take cover when threatening weather was imminent. Research indicated this led to a “false-alarm” impression by many when sometimes only a small part of a county was actually affected by the worst conditions.
Moving forward, you’ll notice what they call “Polygon” or “Storm-Based” Warnings. Now when a warning is issued, more specific geographic areas will be described. This should pinpoint the severe weather more accurately and allow the population in the smaller area to seek shelter, while alleviating concerns for residents in other parts of the county.
So, the next time you see one of the WeatherPlus Storm Team members on the air describing a warning, you’ll know why the warning areas on our maps may appear a bit different.