Confused by Storm Alerts? Your Guide to Staying Safe in Michigan

Living in Michigan means you always need to be ready for whatever mother nature might throw your way.

A sunny day can quickly turn dark and stormy sending you running for cover and safety.

That recently happened on Thursday night in West Michigan when a line of severe storms rolled in off the lake shore and produced several tornados with strong winds that ripped apart roofs and hail that left a path of damage in its wake.

Read More: Fun Indoors Activities For When Grand Rapids Weather Turns Bad

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When this scary weather is rolling in you might not be thinking as clearly because of the stress you're under.

I recently saw someone post on the Michigan subreddit about having a clearer severe weather alert system that is easier to understand.

What Do Severe Weather Alerts Mean?

The person posted a question talking about exactly what different severe weather alerts mean:

Every time we get a warning/watch, there’s this debate about which one means conditions are favorable for a tornado, and which one means one has been sighted. What if we had a system that was more clear? “Tornado Possible” and “Tornado Sighted” for example?? The current terms are awful for communicating what’s happening.

If you have any confusion on what the difference is between a severe storm watch / warning or a severe tornado watch / warning mean. Here's what the National Weather Service (NWS) says.

Severe Storms (Thunderstorms with high winds and/or large hail)

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: This means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop in and around the watch area. It indicates that you should be aware of the potential for severe weather, monitor forecasts, and have a plan in case a warning is issued. Severe thunderstorms are possible.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: This means that a severe thunderstorm has been reported or is imminent in your area. It indicates that there is an immediate threat to life and property. You should take action to seek shelter immediately.

Tornadoes

Tornado Watch: This means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in and close to the watch area. It indicates that you should be prepared to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued. Tornadoes are possible.

Tornado Warning: This means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar in your area. It indicates an imminent danger to life and property. You should take immediate shelter in the safest place you can find.

Read More: One Of The Deadliest Tornados Of All Time Happened In Michigan

One person commented that they didn't think it was that difficult to understand saying:

"Watch - be careful

Warning - get in the basement

What's so difficult?"

While another person pointed out something many of us might not even think about.

English is my father's second language and his very first tornado watch, he spent several hours lying in a ditch (which was, apparently, the advice for people who didn't have a basement in the '80s?) because he thought tornado watch meant they were watching a tornado, like there's that tornado traveling down the road.

And the final explanation I saw someone share made sense to me because it involved food.

"How I was taught the difference.

A Taco WATCH is when you have all the ingredients to make a taco. As in, "WATCH me make this taco!"

A Taco WARNING is when a taco has been made. As in, "I'm WARNING you don't touch my taco!!"

Taco = Tornado"

The taco warning system works for me, but I'm not sure if that's the best method.

Your best bet is to have a plan in place before severe weather comes, that way when it does you'll be better prepared and able to take appropriate steps to protect yourself and the people around you.