More Than 34 Million Americans Under Tornado Watch Monday

The last few days have featured severe weather around the United States, with some areas getting slammed by snow and blizzard conditions and others dealing with strong thunderstorms and possible tornadoes.

On Monday, the East Coast, from Florida up through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is going to experience heavy storms, with the threat of tornadoes possible in several states.

Millions of Americans are affected, according to the latest info from the National Weather Service (NWS).

'A few strong tornadoes' may occur

The official NWS X/Twitter account said that as of Monday afternoon, more than 34 million Americans are under various tornado watches.

"Multiple rounds of severe storms through this evening will yield potential for scattered to widespread damaging winds and a few strong tornadoes from the Carolinas into the Mid-Atlantic States," the NWS wrote. "As of 12:30p ET, more than 34 million people are under tornado watches from Florida to the Northeast."

States involved include Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, along with Washington, D.C.

What is a Tornado Watch?

A Tornado Watch is the second-most serious tornado-related alert behind a Tornado Warning, according to Weather.gov.

"A Tornado Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area," the definition reads. "It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible."

Severe thunderstorms are defined as having winds of 58 mph or higher and/or hail of one or more inches in diameter.

Tornado Watch guidelines to follow

The NWS advises people to take several steps to prepare for a possible incoming twister.

They are:

• Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips.
• Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.
• Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get too quickly, such as a church or family member.
• Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Check more ideas for your family plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
• Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time allows.
• Prepare Your Home: Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
• Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.

Hopefully, these storms don't cause a large impact in any of these areas.

If you're under a Tornado Watch, stay safe and aware.