Warnings and Advisories

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What is the difference between a warning and a watch?

Warnings and Advisories

Do you know what the storm terms mean? What is the difference between a warning or a watch? I have listed some of the terms for the different storms and warnings below.

Tropical Depression--A disturbance with a clearly defined low pressure area; highest wind is 38 miles an hour.

Tropical Storm--A distinct low pressure area defined by a counterclockwise rotating circulation with winds of 39-73 mph.

Hurricane--Once a tropical storm's consistant wind speed reaches 74 mph or greater, it is classified as a hurricane. In the western pacific, hurricanes are called "typhoons" and simular storms in the indian Ocean are called "cyclones".

Tropical Storm Watch--An alert for specific areas that a tropical storm may pose a threat within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning--An alert that tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds of 39-73 mph, are expected in an area within 24 hours.

Hurricane Watch--An alert for specific areas that hurricane conditions pose a threat to an area within 36 hours.

Hurricane Warning--An alert that hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours. All precautions should be completed immediately.

Evacuation Order--The most important instruction you will recieve. Once issued, an evacuation order is mandatory.

   

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