Pumps' Perplexities

After watching TV meteorologists, weathermen,
all these years, I am still confused with their
reporting of a bad storm or a tornado......

They say a tornado WATCH is in effect......
They say a tornado WARNING is in effect.......

Both words start with the letter "W"......It is
confusing.....Which is the more sever of the
two words......They almost mean the same to
the "general public"......

Why do they not change to WATCH and
ALERT.......At least you will instantly
understand the meaning of the two words
when they are spoken......Pumps