Hurricane Watches & Warnings

Bad Luck - Lightning

TROPICAL STORM WATCH
A tropical storm watch is issued when tropical storm conditions, including winds from 39 to 73 miles per hour (mph), pose a possible threat to a specified coastal area within 36 hours.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING
A tropical storm warning is issued when tropical storm conditions, including winds from 39 to 73 mph, are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.

HURRICANE WATCH
A hurricane watch is issued for a specified coastal area for which a hurricane or a hurricane-related hazard is a possible threat within 36 hours.

HURRICANE WARNING
A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher is expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continues, even though the winds may have subsided below hurricane intensity.

Lightning

INLAND TROPICAL STORM WIND WATCH
Issued for inland counties that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph associated with a tropical storm are anticipated beyond the coastal areas though the actual occurrence, timing and location are still uncertain.

The Power of Nature

INLAND TROPICAL STORM WIND WARNING
Issued for inland counties that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph associated with a tropical storm are anticipated beyond the coastal areas in the next six to twelve hours.

INLAND HURRICANE WIND WATCH
Issued for inland counties that sustained winds of 74 mph or greater associated with a hurricane are anticipated beyond the coastal areas though the actual occurrence, timing and location are still uncertain.

INLAND HURRICANE WIND WARNING
Issued for inland counties that sustained winds of 74 mph or greater associated with a hurricane are anticipated beyond the coastal areas in the next six to twelve hours.

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.

Storm Watch

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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Source: National Hurricane Center