National Weather Service Issues Tornado Watch For Florida

TAMPA, Florida - As Hurricane Helene approches Florida, the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a TORNADO WATCH that will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday,  September 26, 2024, for the following South Florida and Central Florida counties:

Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia.

Tornado Watch versus Tornado Warning

What is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

Tornado Watch

A Tornado Watch means that tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.

People within the tornado watch areas should review and discuss their emergency plans, check supplies, and their safe room.

People within the tornado watch areas should be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or they suspect a tornado is approaching. 

Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.

Tornado Warning

A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and there is imminent danger to life and property. 

People within the tornado warning areas should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows. 

If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.