What is the difference between a tornado watch and tornado warning?

Feb. 19, 2026, 2:04 p.m. ET A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in the area. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted and you should take action. Watches typically cover larger areas for several hours, while warnings are for smaller, more specific locations and shorter time frames. If … Read more

Boston Massachusetts Spring/Summer 2026 Weather Alert: Tornado Emergency vs Watch — Know the Difference Now

-Advertisement- Boston, Massachusetts – Tornadoes are often linked to the Plains, but they have struck every state, including Massachusetts, and residents here may have only minutes to act when an alert sounds. According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes occur most frequently between the Rocky Mountains and west of the Appalachians, yet Southern New England … Read more