Severe thunderstorm watch alerts are issued by weather services when conditions are favourable for severe storms, and their distinctive warning tones have become familiar through television, radio and phone alerts. Online, short clips of these alerts are reused by creators who want an instantly recognisable signal of danger without explaining the forecast. The sound works because most viewers already associate it with real weather warnings, so it adds credibility to storm compilations, weather reaction videos and dramatic edits. Its short length also makes it easy to drop into a transition or opening.