Which entity is responsible for issuing Tornado Watches?

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is responsible for issuing Tornado Watches. This designation indicates that conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes in a specific area. The SPC is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and specializes in monitoring and forecasting severe weather events, particularly in the Great Plains and other tornado-prone regions of the United States.

The significance of the Tornado Watch is that it serves as an early warning for the public and local authorities, enabling them to prepare for potential severe weather. The SPC uses a variety of meteorological data and models to assess the likelihood of tornado formation and convey that information through watches.

While the NOAA is the overarching body responsible for weather-related information, including warnings and watches, it is the SPC that specifically handles tornado watches and severe thunderstorm watches. Local emergency management plays a crucial role in response and communication but does not issue watches themselves. The National Hurricane Center, on the other hand, focuses on tropical storm and hurricane activity rather than tornadoes. Therefore, the Storm Prediction Center fills the critical role in monitoring, predicting, and communicating threats related to tornadoes, making it the correct choice for the issuing of Tornado Watches.