Severe weather hits us every year.
Last year, we saw a string of tornadoes rip through the heart of the Empire State.
And this spring we have already felt nature's wrath.
Just this week, we had confirmed tornadoes in two communities: an EF-1 tornado in Great Valley in Chautauqua County and an EF-0 tornado in Beekmantown in Clinton County.
Our meteorologists keep us up to date when severe weather is expected. This usually comes with a colorful map filled with different watches and warnings.
However, according to research done by the National Weather Service, many people don't actually understand the distinctions between the alerts.
So do you know what each one means?
Meteorologist Jack Durkin breaks down that all-important language.