The National Weather Service continually monitors atmospheric conditions across the United States.  A tornado watch or severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the storm prediction center in Norman, Oklahoma, when severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are most likely to occur.  Watches cover large areas, about 140 miles wide and 200 miles long.  During the watch be alert for threatening weather and make plans for action. 

Severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings are issued by the National Weather Service Office in Shreveport when severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are indicated by radar or reported by reliable sources such as trained spotters.  A warning will describe the area, usually a parish or county in the Ark-La-Tex at risk from tornadoes or severe thunderstorms.  Caddo-Bossier OHSEP urges area residents to listen closely to their weather radios and news media broadcasts in the event of approaching severe weather.

Chuck Mazziotti, OHSEP Director, reminds residents that the new and improved weather warning radio can now be programmed specifically for your parish/county.  OHSEP provides detailed information on tornadoes, weather radios and other disasters.  For any information Chuck or his staff can be contacted at (318) 425-5351 or on the web at www.caddobossierohsep.org