The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO WATCH for parts of Indiana, including Hamilton County, until 12 PM today.

Indiana has also been placed under a HIGH RISK for severe weather by the NWS Storm Prediction Center.

A Tornado Watch means weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms that are capable of producing tornadoes in and close to the outlined watch area within a 4 to 8 hour period. A Tornado Watch therefore automatically implies that it is also a Severe Thunderstorm Watch with the possibility for development of severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail in and close to the outlined watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions.

Remember, a watch does not mean that the severe weather is actually occurring; only that conditions have created a significant risk for it.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and/or your local media for weather updates and possible warnings and stay informed! If severe weather actually does occur, a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning could be issued, and urgent action should be taken.

Regards,

R. David Bice, PEM
Executive Director
Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency