The 2025 tornado season has hit hard, with severe storms sweeping through different parts of the United States in March and now April — leaving widespread destruction and casualties in their wake. On April 28, Minneapolis city officials warned residents of a damaging and harsh weather forecast, which could potentially include destructive hail, winds and tornadoes.

Depending on where you live, you may have received a tornado watch or a tornado warning. But what exactly is the difference between the two? Here’s what to know.

What Is a Tornado Watch?

According to the National Weather Service, a tornado watch encourages all residents in one area to prepare for a possible tornado. The NWS’ description of the alert reads, “Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.”

What Is a Tornado Warning?

Per the NWS, a warning is when a tornado “has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.”

“There is imminent danger to life and property,” the site’s alert reads. “Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.”

Where Is the Severe Storm Watch?

The NWS has warned of a potential “tornado outbreak” across a broad region stretching from Texas to Michigan, with heightened risk alerts in place for the Memphis area—home to 1.3 million people.

The areas most at risk for tornadoes include northeastern Arkansas, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, southern Illinois, and southeastern Missouri. Some of the storms could produce tornadoes reaching EF3 strength, characterized by estimated wind gusts between 136 and 165 miles per hour.