What does a "thunderstorm advisory" indicate?

A "thunderstorm advisory" indicates that there is an expectation of severe thunderstorms that may produce hazardous conditions. This means that conditions are favorable for thunderstorms to develop that could potentially impact safety, such as heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning, leading to visibility issues or other dangerous situations.

The advisory serves as a warning to those in the area to be vigilant and prepared for the possibility of severe weather impacting their activities or safety. It emphasizes the potential for severity and the need for proactive measures in response to the forecasted weather conditions. In contrast, a mere expectation of thunderstorms or confirmation of weaker storms would not warrant the same level of alert or precaution.