This Learning Center provides educational reference material only. It does not originate watches, warnings, or advisories. For active alerts, check official National Weather Service products and local emergency management channels.
Alert levels
Watch, Warning, and Advisory
Three terms describe different levels of weather threat and required response.
Alert polygons
Watch, Warning, and Advisory
These three terms describe different levels of weather threat and required response.
Watch
Be prepared. Conditions are favorable for a hazard to develop.
Warning
Take action now. A hazard is occurring or is imminent.
Advisory
Less serious than a warning, but conditions may still cause inconvenience or limited impacts.
