Watch or Warning?

Yesterday, FTVLive posted a story in which KCTV (Kansas City) had a graphic about severe weather that was confusing, to say the least.

One Journalist emailed FTVLive with some good advice for those in the newsroom but outside the weather department.

Email:

It is very concerning to see the increasing frequency with which stations confuse the difference between a watch and a warning.  I'm sure that it just makes the meteorologist furious to see stuff like this. 

I remember a few weeks ago I was watching WSB-TV and severe weather was a threat that day, but nothing was really happening at the time of the newscast.  The pre-recorded open said something to the effect of "we're under a tornado warning right now!".  When they tossed to the chief meteorologist, he had to say, "I want to be very clear, we are not under any warnings at this time"! 

I understand that the difference between a watch and warning might not be top of mind for the average person or producer, but maybe next time, just ask the meteorologist if what you're putting out is accurate.