tornado watch

See Severe weather terminology (United States) for a comprehensive article on related weather terms.

A tornado watch (SAME code: TOA) is issued when weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms that are capable of producing tornadoes. A tornado watch therefore implies that it is also a severe thunderstorm watch. A tornado watch must not be confused with a tornado warning. In most cases, the potential exists for large hail and/or damaging winds in addition to tornadoes.