Hurricane Preparedness

Weather terms used for hurricane season

Part of staying informed about weather conditions is understanding the different terms used by weather forecasters:

Advisory: Hurricane and storm information is disseminated to the public every six hours.

Special Advisory: Information is disseminated when there is significant change in storm-related weather conditions.

Gale Warning: Sustained winds of 35-54 mph and strong wave action are expected.

Storm Warning: Sustained winds of 55-73 mph are expected.

Hurricane Watch: A threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.

Hurricane Warning: A hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours or less, with sustained winds of 74 mph or more and dangerously high water.

Tropical Disturbance: A moving area of thunderstorms is in the tropics.

Tropical Depression: An area of low pressure, rotary circulation of clouds and winds up to 38 mph is identified.

Tropical Storm: A storm characterized by counter clockwise circulation of clouds and winds 39-73 is brewing.

Next: Prepare Now.