What does the detection of a tornado indicate according to the watches and advisories?

The detection of a tornado signifies that a Doppler radar signature has been observed. Doppler radar technology can identify the characteristic rotation of winds that typically occurs within a tornado. This radar indicator is a crucial tool for meteorologists, as it allows for the real-time monitoring of severe storms and enables more accurate alerts and warnings.

While visual sightings of a tornado can be important in confirming its presence, such sightings are often subjective and depend on human observation, making them less reliable as a sole indicator. Reporting severe damage or the deployment of the National Guard are responses to a confirmed tornado event but do not represent the initial detection. Doppler radar provides the scientific and technical means to detect tornadoes prior to any damage occurring, thereby facilitating timely warnings to the public.