Answer :
Final answer:
Severe weather watch bulletins are issued in anticipation of severe weather based on favorable conditions, whereas warnings are issued when severe weather is actually occurring or is imminent.
Explanation:
Severe weather watch bulletins (WW) are issued in anticipation of severe weather, not necessarily when it has already been observed. A watch indicates that the conditions are favorable for severe weather, such as a tornado or thunderstorm, to develop in a specific area within a certain time frame. For example, if atmospheric conditions are right for tornado formation, agencies like the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) will issue a tornado watch. Conversely, a warning is issued when severe weather is actually occurring or is imminent, such as when a tornado has been spotted or an ocean sensor has detected an approaching tsunami.
The importance of these alerts is amplified by the potential impacts of global warming on severe weather, which can increase the frequency and intensity of such events. It is essential for the public to understand the difference between a watch and a warning in order to take appropriate precautions and stay safe during potential natural disasters.
