Multiple tornadoes ripped through the Dallas-Fort Worth area on the evening of Oct. 20. The tornado that touched down locally reached a peak rating of EF3, according to the city.

When severe weather hits, the weather service may issue a tornado watch or a tornado warning. A tornado watch means that tornadoes are possible in the area, but they are not confirmed. This alert means people should prepare to take cover.

A tornado warning means a tornado has either been sighted or confirmed by radar, and people should immediately take cover. The weather service suggests moving to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

This article ran in the November issue of the Richardson edition. Read the full e-edition here.