Watches vs. warnings — what’s the difference?
A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather — be prepared. A warning means severe weather is happening or about to happen — take action now. An advisory covers less severe weather that still causes inconvenience or hazards, like slick roads or a hard freeze. The plain rule: watch = get ready, warning = act.
Snow emergency levels
Ohio sheriffs declare three levels. Level 1: roads are hazardous, drive cautiously. Level 2: drive only if necessary, and check with your employer. Level 3: roads are closed to non-emergency travel, and driving can subject you to arrest. Our snow emergency board tracks every county as levels are declared.
Freeze and frost
A frost advisory means temperatures near freezing will produce frost that can damage sensitive plants. A freeze warning means a hard freeze (28°F or below for several hours) is expected — enough to kill crops, end the growing season, and burst unprotected outdoor pipes. Bring plants in, disconnect hoses, and let a faucet drip on the coldest nights.
Tornado safety in 30 seconds
Go to the lowest floor, an interior room away from windows — a basement is best. Cover yourself with something sturdy. Never shelter under a highway overpass, and never try to outrun a tornado in a car in traffic. Keep weather alerts on in our alerts feed and a weather radio by the bed during storm season.
Heat safety
Extreme heat is Ohio’s quietest weather killer. Drink water before you’re thirsty, take shade breaks, check on elderly neighbors, and never leave a child or pet in a parked car — cabin temperatures rise 20 degrees in ten minutes.
Why “feels like” matters
Wind chill and heat index describe what the air does to skin, not just thermometers. A 10°F morning with a 20 mph wind pulls heat from exposed skin like -4°F — frostbite can start in 30 minutes. Dress for the feels-like number, not the headline temperature.