Huge tornado near Omaha, Nebraska during a tornado outbreak on April 26th, 2024. (Photo by Jonah Lange on Shutterstock)
LINCOLN, Neb. — As severe weather sweeps across the Midwest, a recent study has uncovered a troubling knowledge gap among the public when it comes to tornado alerts. Many Americans remain confused about the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning, a misunderstanding that could prove fatal in an emergency.
The urgency of this issue has been magnified by recent tornado warnings issued across parts of the central U.S., where violent storms have already caused widespread damage. Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) say the confusion surrounding these alerts could lead to delayed reactions, putting lives at even greater risk.
Study Reveals Alarming Gaps in Public Understanding
Dr. Cory Armstrong, a journalism professor at UNL’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications, has been studying how individuals interpret and react to severe weather alerts. Her research, published in the Journal of Extreme Events, found that only about half of study participants could accurately define what a tornado warning means.
“As a professional communicator, I am fascinated by how individuals receive and respond to various messaging,” Armstrong said in a statement. “People assume that everyone understands severe weather alerts, but our research shows that is not always the case.”
This misunderstanding is particularly dangerous in states prone to tornadoes, such as Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, where quick action can mean the difference between survival and tragedy.
The Critical Difference: Watch vs. Warning
With tornado season ramping up, meteorologists and emergency management officials are emphasizing the need for the public to understand the key distinction between a tornado watch and a tornado warning:
Tornado Warning – Take action immediately. A tornado has been detected on radar or visually confirmed. Seek shelter in a safe place without delay.
Tornado Watch – Be prepared. Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. This is a heads-up to stay alert and review safety plans.
“It is interesting with severe weather alerts, because there is a general assumption that everyone knows exactly what they mean and how you should respond. Through this research, we’ve found that is not necessarily true,” Armstrong says.
Huge tornado near Omaha, Nebraska, during a tornado outbreak on April 26th, 2024. (Photo by Jonah Lange on Shutterstock)
A significant and deadly severe weather outbreak unfolded on Friday, March 14, 2025, affecting multiple states across the Midwest and Southeast. The storm system produced numerous tornadoes, resulting in fatalities and widespread damage.
In Missouri, at least three people lost their lives due to tornadoes. Two fatalities were reported in the Bakersfield area of Ozark County, and another occurred in Butler County. Communities such as Rolla, Hartville, and areas outside St. Louis experienced significant damage, including overturned semi-trucks and damaged structures.
The severe weather threat continues into Saturday, with the Storm Prediction Center issuing a rare Level 5 out of 5 risk for parts of the South. This indicates a high likelihood of strong, long-track tornadoes and damaging wind gusts. Residents in the affected regions are advised to stay alert and follow updates from local authorities.
The study also highlighted the importance of clear, concise messaging in weather warnings. With only minutes to act, every second counts. Confusion over terminology or unclear instructions can waste precious time.
For residents in tornado-prone areas, the message is clear: preparation should start long before a warning is issued. Having a safety plan, identifying a secure shelter, and being ready to act swiftly can make all the difference when seconds count. For newcomers to regions where tornadoes are a regular threat, taking the time to learn about storm risks and proper safety measures is a crucial step in protecting lives.
Yet, a major challenge remains for meteorologists and emergency managers—ensuring that every individual, from lifelong residents to recent arrivals, understands the critical difference between a tornado watch and warning. How can we bridge the gap between those familiar with severe weather and those experiencing it for the first time? More importantly, how can public messaging be improved to convey the urgency of a tornado warning in a way that prompts immediate action?
As severe weather patterns continue to evolve, refining warning systems and expanding public education efforts will be key to minimizing injuries and saving lives. The goal is simple: no one should be caught off guard when disaster strikes.
Paper Summary
Methodology
The researchers surveyed 679 adults living in the coverage area of the National Weather Service in Memphis, Tennessee. This area includes parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri.
Participants answered questions about their tornado experiences, preparedness activities, and understanding of weather terms. They were also asked how much warning time they would need to prepare for a tornado and to define a “tornado warning” in their own words.
Key Results
The study surveyed 679 adults residing within the National Weather Service (NWS) coverage area in Memphis, Tennessee, which spans portions of Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri. Participants shared insights on their past tornado experiences, preparedness habits, and familiarity with weather-related terminology.
They were also asked to specify how much advance notice they would need to take action in the event of a tornado and to define the term “tornado warning” in their own words.
Study Limitations
This study focused on a specific region of the United States, meaning its findings may not fully apply to all tornado-prone areas. The sample population was predominantly female and white, which could influence the results. Additionally, since the survey was conducted outside of tornado season, participants’ responses may not reflect real-time urgency or preparedness. The study also relied on self-reported data, which is inherently subject to potential bias.
Funding & Disclosures
The study received $15,000 in funding from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. Building on this work, Armstrong is now launching a new study on public responses to drought alerts in FEMA Region 7, backed by a $15,000 grant from the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Public Health.