Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches, Warnings, Advisories, and Outlooks
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**Do you know the difference between a hurricane warning and a hurricane watch? By the end of this post, you will!**
Every hurricane season, there’s often confusion about the differences between hurricane warnings, watches, and advisories. This guide will help clear things up by providing a comprehensive look at the terms meteorologists use during hurricane season.
Once you finish this quick guide, you’ll be well-versed in understanding the terminology surrounding tropical watches, warnings, advisories, and more. Let’s get started with tropical storms.
First, let’s talk about tropical storms. These storms form over tropical seas from tropical depressions. A tropical depression occurs when a low-pressure area is accompanied by thunderstorms that create a circular wind pattern. The maximum sustained winds in a depression are less than 39 mph.
When the sustained winds increase to 39 mph or more, the depression evolves into a tropical storm. Along with stronger winds, tropical storms exhibit more organized and intense cyclonic circulation.
A watch is typically the first alert for both hurricanes and tropical storms.
A **Tropical Storm Watch** means that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area, typically within 48 hours.
If a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for your area, stay informed by monitoring the forecast as the storm’s intensity and path may change as it nears your location.
A **Tropical Storm Warning** indicates that tropical storm conditions are expected within the specified coastal area, typically within 36 hours.
Warnings are more urgent than watches, signaling that the storm is closing in on your area. Evacuations are often enforced at this stage, if not earlier.
**Hurricane Alerts**
Next, let’s move on to hurricanes. The warning systems for hurricanes are similar to tropical storms, with the primary difference being the intensity of the storm. Hurricanes are defined by sustained winds of 74 mph or greater.
Hurricanes are classified into five categories on the **Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale**:
**Category 1**: Winds of 74-95 mph, minimal damage potential.
**Category 2**: Winds of 96-110 mph, moderate damage potential.
**Category 3**: Winds of 111-130 mph, extensive damage potential.
**Category 4**: Winds of 131-155 mph, extreme damage potential.
**Category 5**: Winds exceeding 156 mph, catastrophic damage potential.
**Hurricane Watch**
A **Hurricane Watch** means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible within your area within 48 hours.
If a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area, begin preparing immediately. It can become too dangerous to prepare once the winds reach tropical storm force. The 48-hour window allows time to secure your property, gather supplies, and evacuate if needed.
Monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and heed any official warnings or evacuation orders.
A **Hurricane Warning** is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area within 36 hours.
During a Hurricane Warning, complete all storm preparations and evacuate the area if instructed by local officials.
**Other Watches, Warnings, and Advisories**
In addition to tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings, there are several other important alerts to be aware of:
**Storm Surge Watch**: Warns of the possibility of life-threatening flooding from rising water moving inland, typically within 48 hours.
**Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory**: Provides information on ongoing or potential tropical cyclones, including their position, wind speeds, and associated hazards.
**Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast Cone**: A graphic showing areas under tropical storm or hurricane watches and warnings, along with the storm’s predicted path.
**Cone of Uncertainty**: Displays where the center of the storm is likely to remain, with 60-70% confidence.
**Hurricane Local Statement**: Issued by local National Weather Service offices to update the public on storm impacts and preparedness.
**Tropical Cyclone Threats and Impact Graphics**: Visuals showing the threat and potential impacts of hazards within a specific area.
**Making Weather-Related Decisions**
We hope this guide clears up any confusion about tropical alerts. Our weather maps combine NWS alerts with over 40 other weather layers to help decision-makers in businesses, schools, or airports better prepare for severe weather.
The image below shows:
- Red for tropical alerts
- Teal and blue for coastal alerts
- The current position and projected track of Hurricane Florence
- Temperature contours
- Radar alternatives
Our map also allows you to toggle layers, adjusting opacity and order to create a clear, informative display.
For more information on how our weather tools can aid your decision-making during severe weather, fill out the form below, and one of our weather experts will reach out to you shortly!(more)
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