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Public Information Statement

National Weather Service Binghamton NY

800 AM EDT Tue Apr 16 2024



...PENNSYLVANIA SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK...



This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Pennsylvania.



We will be covering various topics about severe weather safety 

and preparedness throughout the week. 



Today's topic: Severe weather outlooks, watches, and warnings...



When severe weather is in the forecast, it is important to know 

the differences between National Weather Service products. 



What are Convective Outlooks issued by the Storm Prediction 

Center? 



Convective Outlooks are issued as early as 7 days in advance of 

severe weather, and are updated through the day of the severe 

weather event. They highlight broad regions of possible severe 

weather categorized by the predicted coverage and intensity of 

storms. The severe thunderstorm risk categories are as follows, 

listed in order of increasing threat: 

General thunderstorms, Marginal, Slight, Enhanced, Moderate, and

High Risk. The higher the risk, the greater potential for intense 

and widespread severe storms in the form of strong winds, large 

hail, or tornadoes. Outlooks have a lower confidence level than a 

watch or a warning. You can view the convective outlooks at 

www.spc.noaa.gov. 



What is a watch? 



Watches for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are issued when 

atmospheric conditions are favorable for such weather events. 

Watches are issued when the probability of severe weather has 

risen above 50 percent and storms are likely within the next few 

hours. The size of a watch can range from just a small portion of 

a state, to an area spanning over several states. If a severe 

thunderstorm, tornado, or flash flood watch is issued for your 

area, take precautions and plan accordingly. 



What is a warning? 



A warning is issued when severe weather is imminent. Severe 

weather is either ongoing or likely within the next hour. Warnings

cover smaller areas than watches; they typically span an area 

ranging from a portion of a county to an area spanning over 

several counties. If a warning is issued for your area, take 

action! Find shelter immediately and have a way to receive warning

updates. 



How can I receive severe weather alerts?



Make sure to have multiple ways to receive updates on watches and

warnings for your area. You can receive updates through NOAA 

Weather Radio, social media, local TV and radio, mobile weather 

apps, and on our website at www.weather.gov/ctp. Configure your 

mobile phone for Wireless Emergency Alerts, which are issued for 

tornado warnings and considerable flash flood warnings. 

Instructions can be found at www.ready.gov/alerts. Know the name 

of the county you live in and the names of the ones bordering 

your county. 



Develop a severe weather action plan with your household that 

states where you will go during severe weather. Prepare an 

emergency kit that includes but is not limited to flashlights, 

batteries, phone chargers, water, non perishable food, and a first

aid kit. 



For additional information check out our web site at:



www.weather.gov/ctp/severeweatherawarenessweek



Our weather safety topics for the rest of the week will be, 

Wednesday, Flash Flooding. 

Thursday, Tornadoes. 

Friday, Ways to become involved - SKYWARN spotters, Weather Ready Nation, 

StormReady, and HAM radio. 



For local weather information...please visit:

https://www.weather.gov/bgm



$$



Mitchell Gaines

Meteorologist

National Weather Service Binghamton, NY