COLUMBUS, Ohio — It's important to know the difference between a watch and a warning during severe weather.
A watch is when conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. Watches cover a larger area, about 25,000 square miles on average and are issued by the storm prediction center hours ahead of the expected inclement weather, so now is the time to "watch out."
A warning is when severe weather has been spotted or detected by radar. It is now time to "take action" because severe weather is occurring and you need to seek shelter.
And even though these definitions have been around for a long time there is still confusion between watches and warnings.
So here is a good analogy that I think will help you remember the difference.
A cupcake watch is in effect when all the ingredients to make a cupcake are present, but there are no cupcakes made yet.
A cupcake warning is when the ingredients have come together, mixed and baked and are now ready to eat. In severe weather terms, it's time to take action and seek shelter!