When tropical cyclones approach land, weather authorities issue specific alerts to help the public prepare and stay safe. These alerts, issued by the National Hurricane Center, a division of the National Weather Service, provide distinct levels of urgency, guiding individuals on appropriate actions as a storm draws closer.
What a Hurricane Watch Means
A hurricane watch indicates that hurricane conditions, involving sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher, are possible within a specified area. This alert is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated arrival of tropical-storm-force winds, which range from 39 to 73 miles per hour.
During a hurricane watch, individuals should activate their hurricane preparedness plans. This includes:
Securing loose outdoor items like patio furniture, decorations, and trash cans.
Reviewing family evacuation plans and routes.
Gathering essential emergency supplies such as non-perishable food, water, and medications.
Ensuring vehicles have full gas tanks.
Monitoring official forecasts and local advisories from authorities is important, as hurricane paths and intensities can change quickly.
What a Hurricane Warning Means
A hurricane warning signifies that hurricane conditions, with sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher, are expected within a designated area. This urgent alert is typically issued 36 hours before the expected onset of tropical-storm-force winds, allowing a critical window for final preparations.
Upon a hurricane warning, all preparations should be completed immediately. This includes securing or boarding up windows and doors. If local officials advise evacuation, it is imperative to leave the threatened area promptly, following designated evacuation routes. For those not ordered to evacuate, seeking shelter in a small, interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy structure, away from windows, is important.
The Importance of Understanding the Difference
The core distinction between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning lies in the probability of hurricane conditions: a watch means conditions are possible, while a warning means they are expected. This difference dictates the urgency and type of actions individuals should take. A watch provides time for preparation and monitoring, whereas a warning demands immediate protective measures.
Misinterpreting these alerts can lead to inadequate preparedness or delayed protective actions, increasing risks to life and property. Knowing whether hurricane conditions are possible or expected allows for timely and appropriate responses, such as gathering supplies versus evacuating. Staying informed through official sources and having a well-rehearsed emergency plan ensures individuals can respond effectively to these evolving weather threats.