Benton, IL
What Does a Tornado Warning Mean?
The difference between a tornado watch, a warning and a tornado emergency, using National Weather Service definitions.
Referral service. Shelters are sold and installed by independent local installers.
What a tornado warning means
According to the National Weather Service, a tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and there is imminent danger to life and property. It is the signal to take action and shelter now, not to wait and watch.
Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, or to your storm shelter or safe room, and avoid windows. If you are in a mobile home, a vehicle or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Source: National Weather Service.
Tornado watch versus warning
A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It is issued by the Storm Prediction Center and usually covers many counties. A warning is issued by your local forecast office for a much smaller area, about the size of a city or small county.
During a watch, the NWS advises reviewing your plan, checking supplies and your safe room, and being ready to act quickly.
What is a tornado emergency?
A tornado emergency is the National Weather Service's highest alert level. It is issued when a violent tornado has touched down, there is a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage has been confirmed. Seek refuge in the safest place immediately.
Why acting on a warning matters here
On February 29, 2012, an EF4 tornado touched down near Carrier Mills at 4:51 a.m. and reached Harrisburg five minutes later, before most people were awake. A storm like that can reach a town quickly, so act on the warning.
Source: NWS Paducah: Harrisburg EF-4 tornado, February 29, 2012. For a preparation checklist, read how to prepare for a tornado.
Is a tornado warning worse than a watch?
Yes. A watch means tornadoes are possible; a warning means one has been sighted or indicated on radar and you should take shelter now.
Who issues tornado warnings in Benton?
Warnings for Franklin County and the nearby counties come from the National Weather Service forecast office in Paducah, Kentucky (NWS Paducah). Tornado watches come from the Storm Prediction Center.
What is a tornado emergency?
The NWS's highest tornado alert, issued when a violent tornado has touched down and there is a severe threat to life with catastrophic damage confirmed.
More guides and shelter types
Compare the six types of storm shelters, read the other guides, or send one estimate request that is shared with independent installers serving Benton and nearby towns. You are never obliged to hire anyone.
- Storm Shelter Cost
- Affordable Storm Shelters
- How to Prepare for a Tornado
- Underground / In-Ground Storm Shelters
- Basement Tornado Shelters
- Garage Floor Storm Shelters
- Above Ground Storm Shelters
- Safe Rooms
- Prefabricated Bunkers
Request Shelter Information
Estimate request. Independent installers set any price after reviewing your property.