Get ready! Days before a large severe weather episode, the First Alert StormTeam will start advising you on the potential for severe storms. We usually show you an outlook map that has a large area that might be affected by strong storms and categorize the risk as either slight, moderate or high. You should consider this information as preliminary but also as your first warning that severe weather might be in the offing.

Get set! As the time for severe weather approaches and the situation looks promising for severe storms to develop, a weather watch, either tornado or thunderstorm, will be issued. A watch still covers a lot of territory but does refine the area drawn on the outlook map. Severe storms won’t necessarily occur throughout the entire watch area but you should consider this as your second warning. Pick up loose items in your yard that could become airborne in strong thunderstorm winds. Keep alert to changing weather conditions and stay tuned to the WHAS11 First Alert StormTeam for the latest weather bulletins.

Go! Severe weather is developing. Warnings are being issued. You have been keeping up with the weather prepared; now go to a place of safety with your family and ride the storm out. These warning are actually your third warning for impending damaging storms. It is your responsibility to keep informed. The information is there; use it for your health and well being.