Hurricane Watch vs. Warning

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricanes can cause devastating damage if you are not prepared.

It is important to know the difference between a hurricane “watch” and “warning.” The National Weather Service has alerts on TV, radio, and online in the event of a hurricane.

• A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible in a stated area. Experts announce hurricane watches 48 hours before they expect tropical-storm-force winds (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) to start.
• A hurricane warning is more serious. It means that hurricane forced winds are expected in a stated area. Experts issue these warnings 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected in the area to give people enough time to prepare for the storm.

For more information about hurricane watches and warnings. Check out the National Weather Service’s Hurricane Center.