Free ZIP check
Enter a five-digit US ZIP code to check the current watch status for that area.
Check a location
Ready
We'll show an active watch, no active watch found, or an unavailable result.
For urgent warnings and instructions, follow weather.gov and local alerts.
Across the United States
Know the difference
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch covers a broad area where conditions could produce storms with damaging wind or large hail. It does not mean every place in the watch will get a storm.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is more specific and urgent. Follow the warning for your area and take protective action.
Five-minute readiness
A watch is time to prepare. Conditions may stay quiet where you are, but storms can develop or strengthen quickly.
Read National Weather Service safety guidance →Keep Wireless Emergency Alerts on and use a NOAA Weather Radio where available.
Choose an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
Avoid being caught far from shelter if a warning is issued.
Bring in lightweight items only while conditions are safe.
A watch can be followed by a more urgent warning for a smaller area.
An active result means current official alert information includes a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the area represented by that ZIP. Watches cover broad areas, so use the time to prepare and stay alert for warnings.
“No active watch found” means this specific watch was not found for the ZIP when you checked. It is not an all-clear for thunderstorms, warnings, tornadoes, flooding, or other hazards, and conditions can change quickly.
We'll say that we couldn't confirm the watch status instead of showing “no active watch.” Check weather.gov and local alerts, then try again later.
ZIP codes cover areas rather than exact addresses. If you are near a boundary or need urgent instructions, follow the alerts issued for your location.
Watch important places
$29/year annual auto-renewing plan
Save up to five places and get email when a Severe Thunderstorm Watch starts, changes, or ends.
No trial or coupon. Full refunds are available within seven days of each charge. The $29 founder price continues while the subscription stays continuously active.
Questions
It means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be prepared to act if a warning is issued.
A watch means severe storms are possible over a broad area. A warning means severe weather is happening or about to happen in a more specific area and you should take protective action.
No. It only means this specific watch was not found for the ZIP when you checked. Warnings and other hazards can still exist, and conditions can change quickly.
We couldn't confirm current watch information. Check weather.gov and local alerts, then try the ZIP checker again later.