How to stay safe during tornado watches, warnings in Texas? Here's what to know

As the air turns warm and the days grow longer, it signals the changing of seasons on the South Plains.

It also means the changing of the weather, marked by howling winds, heavy downpours, the threat of tornadoes and alerts from the National Weather Service and local meteorologists.

Others are reading: Matador tornado challenges continue 1 year later as community rebuilds

As the South Plains enters its severe weather and tornado season, here is what you need to know about the types of alerts being issued, current status and how to stay safe before the sirens wail.

Lubbock severe weather watches and warnings

What is the difference between a tornado watch, warning?

Understanding the difference between a tornado watch and a warning is vital to staying alert when severe weather comes.

According to the Lubbock NWS, a tornado watch is when conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado. This is when individuals should start preparing to seek shelter.

A tornado warning means a tornado has been seen or has been indicated by weather radar, and individuals should seek shelter immediately.

The NWS advises individuals to do the following:

• Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

• Avoid windows.

• If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

Individuals can find more resources at  ready.gov/make-a-plan  when it comes to creating a plan for themselves and their families.

When is tornado season in West Texas?

May is the middle of tornado season for Texas, and it has historically seen the most devastating tornadoes in our region. However, according to the Lubbock NWS, it typically falls between April 15 to June 15.

Others are reading: What is the deadliest tornado in West Texas? Heres is what you need to know.

Although West Texas is unique in having a well-defined tornado season, it does not mean tornadoes cannot occur outside of this time frame.

How are tornadoes categorized?

Tornadoes are measured on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which replaced the Fujita Scale back in 2007.

The scale measures wind speeds of tornadoes by looking at the damage caused on the ground after it has dissipated. They are ranked from EF0 to EF5.

• EF0 - light damage with wind speeds of 65-85 mph.

• EF1 - moderate damage with winds of 86-110 mph.

• EF2 - considerable damage with winds of 111-135 mph.

• EF3 - severe damage with winds of 136-165 mph.

• EF4 - devastating damage with 166-200 mph.

• EF5 - With winds of over 200+ mph are the most devastating tornado on the scale.

A recent addition to the scale is an  EFU tornado — an unidentifiable tornado.

"That happens a lot now because of all the chasers and spotters that are in the field," Weaver said. "We know there's a tornado — we pretty much get a video of it or pictures of it, but there's not always a lot of damage."

How can I stay alert during severe weather?

The NWS advises that weather radios, listening to TVs or apps on phones can provide people with enough ways to receive vital information.

Others are reading: Be on the watch: A look at Lubbock, West Texas tornadoes and how to be prepared

The City of Lubbock has also installed tornado sirens in 45 locations as an additional measure to ensure people who are outdoors when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Individuals can also sign up for  LBK Alerts  to be informed about severe weather in the City of Lubbock.

Lubbock weather radar

Got weather photos? Email him: mrosiles@lubbockonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Here's how to stay safe during tornado season in Lubbock, Texas