It seems that every year the weather gets more unpredictable, and deadly. And tornados are increasing in number, and happening more frequently in times of the year they are not normally associated with. 

So it's important for those living in states susceptible to tornados be aware of some key issues, such as how they can form and what the difference is between the watch, warning, and emergency alerts! These are your keys to safety.

What are differences between a tornado watch, warning and emergency?

The weather service’s Storm Prediction Center issues a tornado watch in an area, up to 10 hours ahead of a storm, when conditions suggest possible tornadoes. People in that area, which usually covers several counties or states, should then be prepared for a potential warning.

A warning is issued by local forecast offices when weather radar indicates a tornado is coming or has already been seen. This typically encompasses a smaller area such as a city or county. People in the area need to take action, such as moving to a shelter on the lowest floor of a building, and by avoiding windows.

Tornado emergencies are the weather service’s highest alert and are issued when a tornado has touched down in an area and catastrophic damage has been confirmed. They are rare, but require immediate shelter in place.

Experts say that people should have multiple ways to get watches and warnings and know the definitions of each, experts say. Weather radios can be especially helpful if power is lost and TVs and ordinary radios no longer work.

It’s also important to have safe, enclosed and underground shelters — or rooms above ground that are equipped to handle tornado-level winds — prepared in advance.

This article has a lot of great information, and well worth the few minutes it takes to read and become familiar with tornado safety.