Amarillo, TX
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.
Warnings in Amarillo history
Amarillo has a place in warning history. NWS Amarillo notes that in 1949 a Weather Bureau radio broadcast warned residents before formal tornado warnings existed, which began in 1950. Today warnings for Amarillo come from the NWS Amarillo office.
Source: NWS Amarillo history. 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 for Amarillo?
Warnings come from the local National Weather Service forecast office, NWS Amarillo. 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 Amarillo and nearby Panhandle 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.