Knowing the Terms is crucial during any significant weather events.
Definitions of Weather Watch, Warnings and Advisories:
Significant Weather Advisory:
Such situations might include (but are not limited to), excessive lightning, wind potential less than 58 mph, hail stones smaller than one (1) inch in diameter or even locally heavy rainfall.
Storm Warning:
Storm Warnings are issued for the when one or both of the following conditions is expected to begin within 36 hours and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone:
1) sustained winds of 48 knots to 63 knots
OR
2) frequent gusts (duration of two or more hours) of 48 knots to 63 knots
Severe Thunderstorm Watch:
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY WILL OCCUR. IT ONLY MEANS THEY ARE POSSIBLE.
Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
1) Winds of 58 mph or higher
AND/OR
2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning:
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area.
Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
1) Winds of 58 mph or higher
AND/OR
2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Tropical Storm Watch:
A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 34 to 63 kt (39 to 73 mph) or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.
THE WATCH DOES NOT MEAN THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS WILL OCCUR. IT ONLY MEANS THAT THESE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE.
Tropical Storm Warning:
A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 34 to 63 kt (39 to 73 mph) or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.
Flash Flood Watch:
A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flash Flood Warning:
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood Watch:
A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flood Warning:
A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Tornado Watch:
A Tornado Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.
Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:
1) Winds of 58 mph or higher
AND/OR
2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Tornado Warning:
A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.
Hurricane Force Wind Warning:Hurricane Force Wind Warnings are issued when one or both of the following conditions is expected to begin within 36 hours and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone:
1) sustained winds of 64 knots or greater
OR
2) frequent gusts (duration of two or more hours) of 64 knots or greater
Hurricane Watch:
A Hurricane Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 64 kt (74 mph) or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.
The watch does not mean that hurricane conditions will occur. It only means that these conditions are possible.
Hurricane Warning:
A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 64 kt (74 mph) or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.