​​​​​​Marengo County Emergency Communications District

Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Take Action!

Severe weather has been reported by spotters or detected by radar.

Warnings indicate an imminent threat to life and property.

Take shelter immediately in a sturdy building.

Leave mobile homes—they can be blown over by high winds.

Warning areas are usually smaller, around the size of a city or small county, targeting the area identified by NWS forecasters or trained spotters for large hail or damaging winds.

Thunderstorms / Tornadoes

Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Be Prepared!

Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area.

Stay informed and be ready to take action if a warning is issued.

Watch areas are typically large, often covering multiple counties or even states.

Remember: A watch means “be prepared,” a warning means “take action now!”

The National Weather Service defines a tornado as
"A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. Tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night and at any time of the year. Although tornadoes are most common in the Central Plains and the southeastern United States, they have been reported in all 50 states."

What is a tornado?

Do You Know the Difference?

Do you know the difference between a National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning?

Tornado Watch – Be Prepared!

Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.

Stay alert and informed, and be ready to take action if a warning is issued.

Watch areas are generally large, covering multiple counties or regions.

The National Weather Service defines a thunderstorm as: 

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"Severe thunderstorms are officially defined as storms that are capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. Hail this size can damage property such as plants, roofs and vehicles. Wind this strong is able to break off large branches, knock over trees or cause structural damage to trees. Some severe thunderstorms can produce hail larger than softballs or winds over 100 mph, so please pay attention to the weather so you know when severe storms are possible. Thunderstorms also produce tornadoes and dangerous lightning; heavy rain can cause flash flooding. These hazards are covered in more detail under the tornado, lightning safety and flood safety websites."

Tornado Warning – Take Action!

A tornado has been sighted or detected by radar.

There is imminent danger to life and property.

Warnings typically cover a smaller area, about the size of a city or small county, based on information from trained spotters, law enforcement, or NWS forecasters.

Take shelter immediately in a sturdy building, and avoid mobile homes, trailers, or RVs.

Remember: A watch means “be prepared,” a warning means “take action now!”