Tropical Cyclone Warnings and Watches

Essential Information for Staying Safe

If you live in an area that's prone to tropical cyclones, it's important to be aware of the different types of warnings and watches that the National Weather Service (NWS) can issue when they are expecting a tropical storm or hurricane. These warnings and watches give you time to prepare for the storm and take steps to stay safe.

Tropical Storm Watch

A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.

If a tropical storm watch is issued for your area, you should:

1. Monitor the storm's progress.
2. Gather supplies, such as food, water, and a first-aid kit.
3. Secure your home by boarding up windows and taking down any loose outdoor furniture.
4. Fill up your car's gas tank.

Tropical Storm Warning

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 36 hours.

If a tropical storm warning is issued for your area, you should:

1. Take action to protect yourself and your property.
2. Follow the instructions of local officials.
3. Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Hurricane Watch

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.

If a hurricane watch is issued for your area, you should:

1. Take precautions to protect your home and family.
2. Secure your home and property
3. Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Hurricane Warning

A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the next 36 hours.

If a hurricane warning is issued for your area, you should:

1. Take action to protect yourself and your property.
2. Follow the instructions of local officials.
3. Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Beaufort Scale

The Beaufort scale is a measure of wind speed that is used by the NWS to classify tropical cyclones.

The Beaufort scale is as follows:

1. 0-6 knots: Calm
2. 7-10 knots: Light air
3. 11-16 knots: Light breeze
4. 17-21 knots: Gentle breeze
5. 22-27 knots: Moderate breeze
6. 28-33 knots: Fresh breeze
7. 34-40 knots: Strong breeze
8. 41-47 knots: Near gale
9. 48-55 knots: Gale
10. 56-63 knots: Strong gale
11. 64-72 knots: Storm
12. 73-82 knots: Violent storm
13. 83-91 knots: Hurricane
14. 92 knots or higher: Typhoon

Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:

• Tropical depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of less than 39 miles per hour.
• Tropical storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of between 39 and 73 miles per hour.
• Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or greater.

Safety Tips:

• Stay informed about the storm's track and intensity.
• Follow the instructions of local officials.
• Have a plan for what you will do if you need to evacuate.
• Secure your home and property.
• Stock up on food, water, and other essential supplies.