Find The Difference: Tropical Watch Vs. Warning

news image
Special Stories
6 May 2020 7:00 PM
  • Hurricane watch
  • Tropical storm warning
  • Storm surge warning
Do you know the difference between these tropical alerts and what to do if one is issued for your home? Let’s break down the different types of alerts during tropical systems. When a tropical storm or hurricane *watch* is issued, it means corresponding winds are possible within 48 hours. For a tropical storm that means sustained winds of 39 miles per hour or greater. For a hurricane that means 74 mph or greater are possible. The rule of thumb when it comes to a *watch* is that’s the time when you want to quickly finish preparations, such as putting up your storm shutters. It’s also the time you want to head to your designated storm shelter, or plan to leave soon if evacuations are issued for your location. When a tropical storm or hurricane *warning* is issued, it means hazardous and potentially life-threatening weather conditions will begin in the next 36 hours. By this time, preparations must be finished. Quickly get to your designated safe place. Next, we have *storm surge* alerts. A storm surge *watch* means life-threatening inundation from rising coastal waters is possible within 48 hours. A warning? Within 36 hours. If you’re in a storm surge warning, check the latest evacuation orders and get to higher ground if need be. Please note that these alerts can be issued before tropical systems have fully formed. Vice versa, alerts may be issued for storms that have lost their tropical characteristics but still produce dangerous conditions. WeatherNation's Hurricane Preparedness Week is Monday, May 25 to Sunday, May 31 where we will get you ready for the upcoming hurricane season. We will share tips on preparations, information to help you understand the forecast, and what to do before, during, and after a storm. Also, the National Hurricane Center will release its seasonal outlook on Thursday, May 21. Stay with us as we bring you these stories this season! To watch/listen to this story, see our video below: https://youtu.be/-5HbDeA53_U
All Weather News
More
Arctic Air Returns This Weekend

Arctic Air Returns This Weekend

WHAT TO EXPECTDecember brought record warmth

28 Dec 2026 12:40 AM
Record Warmth Continues Into the Weekend

Record Warmth Continues Into the Weekend

Unseasonably warm temperatures continue to pr

28 Dec 2026 12:35 AM
Sunday Severe Threat Across Portions of Midwest and Midsouth

Sunday Severe Threat Across Portions of Midwest and Midsouth

WHAT TO EXPECTA cold front will move through

28 Dec 2026 12:30 AM
Another Round of Ice and Snow for the Northeast

Another Round of Ice and Snow for the Northeast

As we are coming off the heels of our last wi

27 Dec 2025 11:00 PM
Top Weather Events of 2025

Top Weather Events of 2025

As 2025 wraps up, we're taking a look back at

27 Dec 2025 10:30 PM
Another System Brings Rain, Snow, and Ice to the Northeast

Another System Brings Rain, Snow, and Ice to the Northeast

Winter alerts are in place across the Northea

27 Dec 2025 3:30 PM
Flooding Risk In California Continues

Flooding Risk In California Continues

CALIFORNIA - Over the past few days, tropical

26 Dec 2025 3:15 PM