14 News Special: Spring storms, be prepared

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - 14 News and the 14 First Alert weather team put together a special broadcast called “Spring storms, be prepared.”

We took a look at what kind of weather we can expect, and the best tools you can have ready to protect yourself and your family.

We often use several terms when referring to severe weather that you should know.

When we say there is a WATCH, it means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes. Watches usually cover a large area and last for several hours.

During a watch, you should review your severe weather plan and be ready to move to shelter if a warning is issued.

A WARNING means that a tornado or severe thunderstorm is happening and that you should TAKE COVER NOW.

Warnings are issued for counties, parts of counties or multiple counties and usually last for less than an hour. You should know where you live in your county and set your app and weather radio to receive tornado warnings for your county.

In rare cases, when a tornado is on the ground and moving toward a densely populated area, the NWS will issue a TORNADO EMERGENCY. A Tornado Emergency means catastrophic damage, injuries and deaths are likely for those not in shelter.

On the radar, we look for a tornado by using the wind (velocity) tool. Red shows wind blowing away from the radar and green indicates winds blowing toward the radar. When the two colors show up next to each other, we call it a COUPLET...this is often where a tornado appears.

The special also took a look at how to have a safe space prepared in case of severe weather.

[Get prepared: Where is your severe weather ‘safe space?’]

We also took a look back at some of the earthquakes that have happened in the Tri-State, and we spoke with experts who say there is a chance a large one could happen in the next 50 years.

[Earthquake chance predicted in New Madrid region]

One thing experts say for sure will happen in the Tri-State is a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

We spoke with experts about where we’ll see about three minutes of total darkness in the middle of the day.

[Total solar eclipse happening in 2024 in the Tri-State]

You can watch the full special here: