Weather alerts for Washington

Warning, watch or advisory?

• Warning: hazardous weather is happening or about to happen. Take action now to protect life and property.
• Watch: conditions are favorable for hazardous weather. Be prepared and stay alert.
• Advisory: weather that is less serious but still a nuisance or hazard; use caution.

Stay safe in severe weather

• Tornadoes: go to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows; leave mobile homes for a sturdy shelter.
• Severe thunderstorms and lightning: when thunder roars, go indoors; avoid open fields, hilltops, water and tall isolated trees.
• Flash floods: move to higher ground and never walk or drive through flood water — turn around, don't drown.
• Hurricanes and tropical storms: know your evacuation zone, secure your home and prepare a kit with water, food, medicine and a flashlight. See the Hurricane tracker.
• Winter storms and extreme cold: avoid travel, keep an emergency kit in your car and never run a generator indoors.
• Extreme heat: limit time outdoors in the afternoon, drink plenty of water and check on older neighbors; never leave children or pets in a car.

Official sources: National Weather Service (weather.gov), National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov), FEMA (ready.gov) and your state and local emergency management agencies.