What is indicated by a weather warning?

A weather warning is issued when a storm or hazardous weather event has been detected and is either occurring or is imminent. This alerts the public that conditions pose a significant threat and that protective actions should be taken. Warnings are critical for public safety, as they provide information about severe conditions that can cause damage or pose risks to life.

In contrast, a potential weather event may lead to a watch being issued, which indicates that conditions are favorable for the occurrence of severe weather. Monitoring of a weather event is part of ongoing analysis and forecasting, but does not indicate immediate danger as a warning does. Uncertainty in forecasts does not correlate directly with a warning; rather, it reflects variations and unknowns in predicting weather conditions. Thus, a warning specifically communicates that a hazardous event is already in progress or about to happen, prompting individuals to take necessary precautions.