Tornado watch or tornado warning: Which is worse? What to know about taking shelter

Tornadoes can develop at any time, and while they're more commonly found in the central plains and southeastern United States, they have occurred in every state, according to the NWS. The violent weather phenomena is capable of destroying buildings and hurling objects like deadly missiles.

So, when the National Weather Service issues its alerts, what do they mean? When is it time to be aware and time to take action and shelter from a storm?

What is a tornado watch?

Tornado watches are alerts to stay prepared and be ready to act, according to the NWS. They mean that tornadoes are possible and weather conditions "favor thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes."

Tornado watches are usually issued at least an hour in advance of anticipated risky weather and up to eight hours before so people can make a plan to act in case a tornado is spotted and a warning is issued, according to a USA Today report.

What is a tornado warning?

A warning means imminent danger, according to the NWS. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

When a tornado warning is issued, the NWS recommends taking immediate action and moving to the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows. If you're in a car or mobile home, find the closest substantial shelter you can get to.

The National Weather Service is responsible for issuing the warnings, but local entities choose what the siren policy is, a meteorologist for the NWS said.

More: Tornado safety: What to do when a watch or warning is issued depends on where you are

Is a tornado warning or watch more dangerous?

A tornado warning is more severe than a watch, according to the NWS. When a warning is issued, there is imminent danger and a tornado was spotted, or imminent. A watch indicates that tornadoes are possible within an area.

NWS Albuquerque put it well: If there's a watch, it's like we have the ingredients to make tacos, but if there's a warning we are having the tacos right now.

What to do when there's a tornado watch

Be prepared — tornadoes are possible in and around the area mentioned in the watch. Be ready to act quickly.

NWS: How to prepare for a tornado

What to do when there's a tornado warning

Take action now. A warning means someone saw a tornado or one was indicated by weather radar. Under a tornado warning, there's imminent danger to life and property. Everyone should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Tornado watch or tornado warning: Which is worse?