logo
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
Latest Storm Slams the West Coast with Rain & Snow Today
Latest Storm Slams the West Coast with Rain & Snow Today
CALIFORNIA - We have had an incredible snow s
28 Mar 2023 5:15 PM
Flooding & Strong Storms in the Deep South Today
Flooding & Strong Storms in the Deep South Today
An area of low pressure and cold front sweepi
28 Mar 2023 5:10 PM
Multiple Waves of Snow for the High Plains this Week
Multiple Waves of Snow for the High Plains this Week
We have multiple rounds of wet weather expect
28 Mar 2023 2:10 PM
Winter Continues in the Western U.S. with Snow in the Rockies & Cascades
Winter Continues in the Western U.S. with Snow in the Rockies & Cascades
The same storm system that is impacting Calif
28 Mar 2023 2:05 PM
Strong Thunderstorms to Return to the Plains Thursday
Strong Thunderstorms to Return to the Plains Thursday
Confidence is increasing in the threat of wid
28 Mar 2023 1:20 PM
Parts of the Southeast Stay Sunny and Sultry
Parts of the Southeast Stay Sunny and Sultry
A ridge of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexic
28 Mar 2023 3:20 AM
Severe Storms Across the Gulf Coast Monday & Tuesday
Severe Storms Across the Gulf Coast Monday & Tuesday
This weekend was extremely active in terms of
28 Mar 2023 12:40 AM