Tornado Watch map: active tornado watches now
There are no tornado watches in effect right now. The most recent one in the NWS archive was issued on November 12, 2026 in Delaware.
Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form in and near the watch area over the next several hours.
Updated from the National Weather Service · lists refresh hourly; the live map loads current alerts directly from the NWS
Active tornado watches
None right now. This page updates automatically when the National Weather Service issues a new tornado watch.
What is a tornado watch?
A tornado watch means the ingredients for tornadoes are in place: unstable air, moisture, lift and wind shear. It does not mean a tornado is occurring. Watches are issued by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, usually for large areas covering parts of several states, and typically last four to eight hours.
During a watch, local forecast offices issue tornado warnings for individual storms when rotation or a tornado is detected. A "particularly dangerous situation" (PDS) watch is used on the rare days when several strong, long-track tornadoes are expected.
What to do
- Review where you would shelter at home, at work and at school.
- Make sure your phone has Wireless Emergency Alerts on and is charged.
- Keep an eye on the sky and on local warnings, especially in the evening and at night.
- Postpone outdoor plans if storms are developing nearby.
How often tornado watches are issued
From 2016 through 2025 the National Weather Service issued an average of 512 tornado watches per year across the country, and 544 so far in 2026. Each count is one alert event, which can cover one or many counties.
States with the most tornado watches
Tornado Watches by state
Related alerts
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
A watch means tornadoes are possible in the area. A warning means a tornado is happening or imminent and you should take shelter now.
How long does a tornado watch last?
Most tornado watches last four to eight hours and can be extended, cleared early for some counties, or replaced by a new watch.