Storm Facts

Definitions

Know what the terms tropical storm watch, tropical storm warning, hurricane watch, hurricane warning, storm surge watch, and storm surge warning mean:

• Tropical Storm Watch: A tropical cyclone with winds of 39 to 73 mph is possible in the specified area of the WATCH, within 48 hours. Winds may be accompanied by storm surges, coastal or river flooding.
• Tropical Storm Warning: A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher is expected in the specified area of the WARNING, within 36 hours or less. Winds may be accompanied by storm surges, coastal or river flooding.
• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions with winds of 74 mph or higher are possible in the specified area of the WATCH within 48 hours. Winds may be accompanied by storm surges, coastal or river flooding.
• Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions with winds of 74 mph or higher are expected in the specified area of the WARNING within 36 hours. Winds may be accompanied by storm surges, coastal or river flooding. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
• Storm Surge Watch: The possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area is possible within 48 hours. The watch may also be issued for locations not expected to receive life-threatening inundation, but which could potentially be isolated by inundation in adjacent areas.
• Storm Surge Warning: The danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 36 hours is expected. The warning may also be issued for locations not expected to receive life-threatening inundation, but which could potentially be isolated by inundation in adjacent areas.

Encountering Danger

Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can occur during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, on the lowest floor, in a door archway, bathroom, or room without windows.

Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go the other way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

One of the worst parts of a hurricane is the severe winds on all sides of the eyewall. If the eyewall passes over you, prepare for a repeat of severe winds from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other things damaged by the first winds can be broken, destroyed or moved by the second winds.

Hurricane Categories