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NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTERReturn to National Hurricane Center
Hurricane Awareness  

Watches & Warnings

  • TROPICAL STORM WATCH
    An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

  • TROPICAL STORM WARNING
    An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

  • HURRICANE WATCH
    An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

  • HURRICANE WARNING
    An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

  • INLAND TROPICAL STORM WATCH
     An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified interior area within 48 hours.

  • INLAND TROPICAL STORM WARNING
     An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified interior area within 36 hours.

  • INLAND HURRICANE WATCH
     An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified interior area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

  • INLAND HURRICANE WARNING
     An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified interior area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

  • TORNADO WATCH
    Issued to alert the public that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. These watches are issued with information concerning the watch area and the length of time they are in effect.

  • TORNADO WARNING
    Issued by local NWS offices to warn the public that a tornado has been sighted by storm spotters, law enforcement or has been indicated by radar. These warnings are issued with information concerning where the tornado is presently located and which communities are in the anticipated path of the tornado.

  • FLASH FLOOD WATCH
    A flash flood watch means a flash flood is possible in the area; stay alert.

  • FLASH FLOOD WARNING
    A flash flood warning means a flash flood is imminent and everyone in the area should take immediate action.

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