Tornado watch and tornado warning today, February 16: areas and states affected | Weather updates
Tornado season is here, and several states are under an advisory. Here is what you need to know to stay safe.
A new storm system is moving through the South and Midwest of the United States, and the conditions for tornado formation are present. For the most up to date alerts, follow the National Weather Service directly.
Tornado Watch Advisories
| State | County | Advisory Period |
| Arkansas |
Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, Lee, Lincoln, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett, and St. Francis |
Current - 16 Feb @ Noon |
| Kentucky | Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, Muhlenberg, Todd, and Trigg. |
Current - 16 Feb @ Noon |
| Mississippi | Benton, Coahoma, Desoto, Marshall, Panola, Pemiscot, Quitman, Tate, and Tunica | Current - 16 Feb @ Noon |
| Missouri | Butler, Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott, and Stoddard | Current - 16 Feb @ Noon |
| Tennesse | Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crocket, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, and Weakley | Current - 16 Feb @ Noon |
The National Weather Service has issued Tornado Watch advisories for several states and warns that “strong tornadoes are most likely over Mississippi, Alabama, and middle Tennessee.” Residents of west Alabama were encouraged by meteorologist James Spann to ensure they have a reliable way of hearing tornado warnings.
Residents of Nashville, Tennessee should be aware that some of the sirens used to warn residents are being repaired, so identifying another way to track the storm may be critical to staying safe.
Areas of Arkansas, Kentucky, and Missouri are also under Tornado Watch. At a minimum, these advisories will be in effect today and this evening as the storm passes through the area.
What is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?
A tornado watch is declared when conditions could lead a tornado to form. These can cover areas as small as cities to multiple states. A tornado warning is a more severe advisory because it is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A warning means that it is time to take action because there is imminent danger to life and property.
If you are under tornado warning, then there is a number of actions that can be taken to keep you and your loved ones safe. This includes taking shelter in an ICC 500 certified tornado shelter or a safe room as well as not opening windows. Other advice includes taking cover in a windowless room as well as lying under something protective, such as a mattress.
What should you do if you see a tornado while driving?
There is not a “good” place to be when encountering one of nature’s most violent manifestations. For drivers, encountering a tornado requires a quick response, particular in open areas where the eye can move freely and pick up speed. The Weather Channel has released a quick explainer of your options. If possible, driving away from the storm is your safest bet. Tornados move fast and if winds pick up, they can engulf and over power small cards and semi-trucks alike.